STUDENT EXCHANGE AT ST. ALBANS DC
My student exchange at St. Albans Prep School in Washington, DC, was a transformative experience that taught me invaluable adaptability and intercultural understanding lessons.
My school gave me this opportunity, and I will forever be grateful for it. Living with a host family pushed me to adjust to a new lifestyle, and I quickly embraced the unfamiliar customs and daily routines. I also made lasting friendships with students from diverse backgrounds, deepening my appreciation for different perspectives.
Academically, I had to adapt to a new curriculum, which encouraged more discussion-based and interdisciplinary learning and challenged me to think critically in new ways. Outside the classroom, I engaged in various activities such as music, sports, and hikes, immersing myself in the local culture and strengthening my bond with my peers. Carrying on the spirit of service from Doon, I also jumped at the opportunity to give back by volunteering to clean one of the local rivers with my schoolmates.
When the exchange students came to India, I took pride in hosting them, organising trips to the Taj Mahal and Bombay, and ensuring they adapted to boarding school life. The experience taught me the value of empathy, leadership, and flexibility and has significantly shaped how I approach challenges and relationships in the future.