At CHIREC International School, learning does not stop at the edge of a textbook or the classroom door. This summer, a select group of students participated in a Summer Immersion Program designed to expand minds, ignite curiosity, and explore career possibilities in dynamic environments. These experiences offered more than academic exposure. They sparked self-discovery and inspired future ambitions through hands-on learning experiences guided by professionals and institutions known for their leadership in research and practical application.
Why Experiential Learning Is a CHIREC Priority
CHIREC believes that students grow best when they are challenged to think critically, act independently, and engage with the world around them. The Summer Immersion Program reflects this philosophy by taking learning into real-world contexts. By stepping into professional settings, students gain a clearer view of their own interests and abilities. This approach also builds essential soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication. These skills will serve them across any career or field of study.
At the Heart of Discovery – Exploring CERN Geneva
Nine CHIREC students had the opportunity to join an educational program at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland, home to the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in a rigorous and engaging schedule.
The sessions were led by world-renowned scientists including Dr Archana Sharma and Dr John Ellis, who made complex topics like quantum tunnelling, neutrinos, and the Higgs boson accessible and fascinating. Students participated in lectures, Q and A sessions, and practical workshops such as a Cloud Chamber demonstration, which allowed them to visualize the behavior of subatomic particles.
Visits to the ATLAS and ALICE detectors gave students insight into the scale and precision of scientific exploration. At the Science Gateway, they interacted with simulations and games that reinforced their understanding of particle physics in an engaging way. These experiences offered a deeper appreciation of how theoretical knowledge is applied to solve some of the universe’s biggest mysteries.
The students returned with more than notes and photos. They brought back a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer sense of what it means to be a researcher, and a belief that they too could be contributors to global scientific progress.
Academic Diversity and Exploration at MAHE Manipal
Eight students representing CHIREC’s CBSE stream traveled to the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), accompanied by faculty mentors. This immersive visit was an eye-opening introduction to the wide range of academic disciplines and career paths available across health sciences, technology, and the humanities.
The visit began with a comprehensive tour of the MAHE campus, where students interacted with faculty and explored advanced research labs, the Kasturba Hospital’s operating theaters and ICUs, and various academic departments. They engaged in sessions with the School of Hotel Management, the Centre for Humanities, Allied Health Sciences, Communication and Animation, and toured the vast MIT campus.
These interactions were more than passive tours. The faculty welcomed student questions and tailored sessions to suit their interests. From the clinical settings of healthcare to the creative spaces of animation, students gained a deeper understanding of what it means to work in these fields.
The program also included local sightseeing, giving students a chance to connect culturally and reflect on the impact of their visit. The exposure to MAHE’s legacy and its multidisciplinary structure left a strong impression, encouraging students to consider new academic possibilities they had not previously imagined.
Learning Across Borders and Fields
Our students also explored other enriching opportunities this summer. At SRM University in Andhra Pradesh, they gained exposure to technical education and diverse academic streams. In Singapore, a large group collaborated with NUS faculty on AI and Machine Learning projects, earning certifications for their work. Closer to home, two Grade 12 Fashion Studies students interned at designer Mamatha Tulluri’s studio, translating classroom learning into real-world design practice. These diverse experiences helped students discover new passions, strengthen practical skills, and envision their futures with clarity.
The Takeaways That Truly Mattered
Whether in a lab, university classroom, design studio, or research center, CHIREC students gained far more than academic exposure. Immersed in unfamiliar environments, they stepped beyond their comfort zones, engaged with new disciplines, and developed a deeper understanding of their own strengths, interests, and aspirations. These experiences gave them clarity about potential career paths and reinforced the value of collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication. From posing questions during a hospital round in Manipal to participating in scientific discussions at CERN, students built the confidence to express themselves and think independently. This kind of learning nurtures critical thinking and resilience, essential for success in an ever-changing world.
Reflections From the Journey
Student reflections consistently pointed to personal growth. Many appreciated how these programs helped them clarify what excites them and what does not. They enjoyed working in teams, asking questions, and building relationships with mentors and peers. Faculty members observed higher engagement levels, improved communication, and a readiness to take initiative among participants. These experiences will no doubt continue to shape how these students approach their studies and careers.
Looking Ahead at CHIREC
This summer’s program was not just about exposure, but about building perspective. One of the key objectives was to help students think beyond rankings when considering higher education. They were encouraged to reflect on what truly matters to them in a university, from faculty and campus culture to programs, distance, and living arrangements.
By engaging with diverse institutions, students began to understand how to assess their personal fit and align their choices with their goals and values. CHIREC will continue to create opportunities that support this kind of thoughtful exploration.
CHIREC thanks all the educators, coordinators, and host institutions that made these experiences possible. Most of all, it celebrates the students who stepped up, asked questions, and dared to learn beyond borders.
