International opportunities
The Hutchins School community is committed to being internationally-minded by understanding and embracing diversity in all its forms, and by respecting and celebrating this diversity in order to foster a peaceful, just and sustainable world. Hutchins has established links with schools worldwide and continues to explore new opportunities for cultural immersion through formal reciprocal exchanges, specific academic extension programs and student leadership experiences.
Virtual Exchange - Zoom around the World with Round Square Postcards
To keep students connected across the Round Square community, each week, a Round Square school somewhere in the world takes its turn to send out a postcard invitation to the network for students to join a 60 or 90 minute Zoom call on a topic of their choice.
The postcards usually bring together between 50 and 150 students from up to 30 schools, and are tailored for a specific age group (11-13 or 13-15 or 16-18) each time. They combine informal chat with formal presentation, Q&A, debate and discussion in baraza breakout groups, games and quizzes.
Recent topics have included An Aussie Backyard Adventure, Sharing Acts of Kindness, Welcome to Tokyo, Hobbies and Interests, The Perils of Fake News, Behind the Scenes in England, Finding Adventure and Welcome to India.
Whilst physical exchanges are on hold at the moment, Hutchins students from all sub-schools are encouraged to take part in this virtual exchange opportunity before we are able to offer international tours again.
Reciprocal exchange program
Reciprocal exchanges range from two weeks to five weeks. Each school exchange presents unique opportunities. Living in the boarding house of another school or with a family whose son attends that school gives Hutchins students a chance to experience life as ‘a local’ in a foreign country – a very different experience from visiting a country as a tourist. Hutchins exchange students quickly adopt a new way of life and have proven to gain a wealth of new experiences.
We consider Year 10 to be the ideal time for a reciprocal exchange to occur, however, from time to time it may also be appropriate for Year 11 students to undertake an exchange. The majority of our exchanges occur the year after the application is made. Reciprocal exchanges usually involve one or two students who travel unaccompanied to another school to participate in the exchange arranged and facilitated by Hutchins and the students’ family.
Costs associated with reciprocal exchanges are usually limited to the cost of transport to and from the exchange school. Every effort is made to limit the time that students miss school during the exchange.
Gap exchanges
Gap exchanges are for students who have finished Year 12 and who are deferring university entrance by 12 months to experience life at another school. Please contact the Career Education and Vocational Learning Officer, Mr Paul Bonnitcha for information regarding Gap exchanges.
Contact
Mr Erik Marr
Global Learning Co-ordinator