A student exchange program is a program in which students from a school are chosen to study at one of their sister institutions. I was one in four children from my class who were chosen to participate in the student exchange program hosted by BVM Global @ Perungudi. This was an opportunity to develop and witness things I'd never dreamed of. The first is new lifelong friendships. These have been formed not only with my wonderful host family but also with people from school, fellow exchange students and other coordinators.
I was traveling with one of my best friends and both of us were to be hosted by the same family. So, that was exciting. The first day started of with our host family picking us up from school. We then went back to school at about 10.30 in the morning to attend an ice-breaking session. Nope, we didn't have to break ice; we had to get to know each other! We then visited a few tombs of celebrated Tamil actors namely, Jayalalitha and M.G.R. We also dropped in at The M.G.R. Museum where we saw some of this famous dramatic artist's belongings. We were then taken to the Marina beach, where we collected shells and dug wells in the sand. Soon it was time to go back to school where we were picked up by our host parents.
The second day was equally fun-filled with a trip to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. A complete surprise, to come across this vast water world, with teeming bird life. Painted storks were present in their hundreds, or was it thousands? Black-capped Night Herons and Spot-billed Pelicans were also abundant, plus Pond Herons, Glossy Ibis, Egrets and Cormorants. I could go on. All this was viewable from a long bank which runs along the waterway.
The third and the final day of this year’s exchange program started as a teacher from BVM Global @ Perungudi showed us some short but inspirational animated movies. Later that day we had a talent show, where my friends from all the different branches showcased their varied talents. My friend and I sang a song describing Harry Potter's journey in the series in 99 seconds. Afterwards, the students from each school shared their views on the Student Exchange Program.
In the end it was time to say goodbye to all the new friends I'd made through this wonderful program. I have carried with me beautiful memories of these three days of fun-filled collaboration. I have gained more experience, confidence and self-dependence through this program than ever and never regretted anything!
Fathima Nashwa
Class VI