Growth Beyond Borders
It is often said that personal growth requires getting out of one’s comfort zone. For some, this means boarding a plane to a country on the other side of the world. Earlier this spring, Crescent School welcomed students from Westlake Boys High School (New Zealand) and Aylesbury Grammar School (UK) as part of the International Student Exchange program, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience life, education, and culture in Toronto. The Crescent side of the exchange program travelled to the UK and New Zealand in February and March of this year.
Before returning home, our student guests reflected on their transformative time at Crescent, emphasizing personal growth, cultural discovery, and the formation of lasting international friendships.
Asking students about their motivations elicited answers that shared a theme: “I wanted to be part of the exchange so that I could experience a different culture and expand my view of the world,” says Daniel, an Aylesbury student. Another student said that, when signing up, he had hoped to create new connections and challenge himself with an experience that he anticipated might be uncomfortable at times.
The differences between their adopted city and home were striking. “With New Zealand having only 5 million people in the whole country, I really noticed the difference in how many people were around,” says Westlake student Dustin. “Also, having a subway system is the best thing ever compared to our buses at home.”
The early spring temperatures were colder than our guests were accustomed to, but the welcome to Crescent’s campus was warm. “The community of boys that greeted me was so welcoming, ensuring I had a great experience in the short time I was at Crescent,” says Westlake boy Toby. “They left me with a love for Crescent school that I will take with me back to New Zealand.”
Each boy had been paired up with a Crescent peer and did a “home stay” with his family. “I could settle in somewhere, have a place I recognized,” says Rami from Aylesbury. “I learned how to get to Crescent from home on my own, I could go to shops, and so on. It really made me feel like I ‘lived’ in Toronto for 3 weeks rather than just visited. That is what an exchange trip should really teach you.”
“The benefits of student exchange programs are immense, for students, educators and families,” says Ian Eatock, Director of Crescent Exchange Programs and Upper School Modern Language teacher. “Students show real courage in signing up, getting onto a plane, and travelling to a new country, away from home and familiarity.” Eatock points out that boys must be adaptable as they adjust to a new home and culture, and show a willingness to grow. The host families and schools dedicate themselves to welcoming visitors, helping them feel at home and introducing them to their community.
What advice do they have for students considering an exchange program?“Just sign up,” says Boston of Westlake. “These past few months getting to know my exchange partner in both New Zealand and Canada have been incredible. Exploring a foreign country with my mates has been one of the best experiences in my life. I have gained new international connections and friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.”
