School Life

With global awareness and language proficiencies becoming increasingly important for today's career-seekers and tomorrow's leaders, independent schools are offering a wider range of relevant exchange opportunities. Ranging from one week to a full school term, exchanges can be an important vehicle for language-learning, cultural awakening and a lifelong interest in travel and global affairs. Our school has two main types of exchanges: language- and culture-based, and adventure-based.

Language-based exchanges see students host an exchange in their home for one part of the year, and then travel to Quebec, France, Spain, Germany, China and Japan for the second part of the experience. These exchanges enrich students' understanding of the visited culture, while strengthening oral and comprehension skills of the language. In fact, the exchange can help qualify students for the esteemed UCAPE (Union for Cultural and Professional Advancement in Europe) diploma in European proficiency. Students return with a stronger grasp of a second language and a better sense of connection with the country and its school system, as they shadow their exchange in their daily classes. Grade 12 student Thomas Longo says of his Japan exchange: "Being fully immersed in Japanese culture allowed me to gain knowledge that you can't learn through books. I was able to pick up some of the language. Since my exchange, I have already travelled to three different countries with the school, and I hope to tour many more."

Adventure-based exchanges take students out of their familiar environment to an English-speaking country or school that is connected through the Round Square network. These exchanges allow students to experience travel to an international location, with its cultural and geographic differences, while developing their sense of independence. As members of Round Square, the schools offer a similar philosophy to Appleby's in terms of academics, service and leadership, in countries as diverse as Australia, India, Peru, South Africa and England.

Experience the world with Appleby College.