The Exchange Graduation Evening is a celebration of the transformative experiences students undergo while participating in the IGS Exchange Program. This event provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their time abroad, share their insights, and acknowledge the resilience and independence they have gained through cultural immersion. As we hear from students who have recently returned from exchanges in Europe and Japan, we are reminded of the profound impact these experiences have on their personal and academic growth.
“The Exchange Program is one of the most powerful experiences a student can have. It builds resilience, independence, and a deeper understanding of the world by immersing students in new cultures at a time when they are learning to navigate their place in it. At IGS, we believe in the transformative power of learning beyond the classroom, and over many years, we have proudly fostered global connections with our sister schools across Europe, Japan, and China.”
Mary Duma Deputy Principal Wellbeing
Student Reflections
Matai (Spain) – “Being so far from home can be a mix of both a humbling experience as well as a freeing one.”
Toby (France) – “Spending time in France widened my view of the world because for a short time, I lived in Normandy—I wasn’t just a tourist, I got to experience life in the area.”
Samara (Italy) – “Exchange was the best experience of my life, and I will always remember it. I will always have a piece of me in Rovereto.”
Kai (France) – “Going on exchange is a turning point in your life. Suddenly, you are independent, unsupervised, and in a new place where the only lifeline you have is your exchange student.”
Saskia (Germany) – “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in this exchange program. It opened my eyes to new perspectives, and I will always treasure the memories and valuable lessons I gained from this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The Value of the Exchange Program
Exchange is more than just an opportunity to travel — it’s a profound learning experience that shapes students’ character, independence, and global awareness. At 15 and 16, students are at a crucial stage of self-discovery, and stepping into a completely new environment challenges them to think critically, adapt, and grow in ways they never imagined.
Exchange fosters deep cultural immersion, not just through sightseeing, but by living day-to-day life in a different country, forming lifelong friendships, and truly understanding a new way of thinking. It teaches resilience, adaptability, and a global mindset — skills that are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
Educational Impact of Exchange
Research shows that cultural exchange experiences significantly enhance students’ problem-solving skills, empathy, and adaptability. According to an OECD study on global education, students who engage in international learning programs develop higher levels of intercultural awareness, communication skills, and confidence—key attributes for success in an increasingly global society.
At IGS, our exchange program has been running for many years, allowing students to experience firsthand the value of learning beyond the classroom. As we celebrate our 41st year of education, we continue to mark these moments of meaningful learning in collaboration with our sister schools across Europe, Japan, and China.