Elements of Successful Educational and Cultural Exchanges Cecilia M. Nipp Director of Global Relationships and Cultural Exchange Ursuline Academy of Dallas
What makes a successful school partnership? Begin with adults Common Values / Goals Reciprocity Trust Time Hospitality Just like successful human relationships, school relationships must be cultivated and tended
Key Elements of every Sister-School Exchange 2-3 weeks (short) A formal Welcome Classes / Student Life Host families Teacher Lodging Teachers participation (classes & lessons) Historical and cultural excursions Student Presentation A shared Service experience A formal Farewell / School gift exchange A Leader Meeting
Challenges The details, documents & practicalities Money Time Conveying who you are and understanding the other Managing expectations (students & parents) Preparing students to be Ambassadors / guests Managing the unexpected Faculty / Adult Leaders
Rewards Sisterhood / Friendship Global Perspective Confidence Independence Willingness to take risks / travel later in life Openness to Service opportunities Openness Study Abroad, Working abroad, etc. Language acquisition Distinction for college Recruitment / retention
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