Beyond Academics

Student Exchange Program

At CHIREC our Exchange Programs give our students an opportunity to broaden their horizons and appreciate different cultural perspectives. We give our students the opportunity to study, flourish, and work in different global contexts helping them develop into future leaders and citizens who recognize the significance of cooperation, understanding, and compassion.

• Student Exchange Programme at CHIREC (2019-2020). Students from Thayer Academy, USA

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  As a part of the Student Exchange Programme, a group of 7 students from Thayer Academy in Massachusetts, USA, visited CHIREC School from December 29, 2019, to January 6, 2020. The students comprised 5 boys, 1 girl, and 2 chaperones. The group visited Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and experienced a rich immersion into India’s historical presence. Stepping foot on Hyderabad soil further augmented their experience of India’s past.

  The students enjoyed being a part of CHIREC’s schedule where they hopped from class to class, be it the core academic subjects, the labs, the playfields, the art, music or culinary classes. Our students hosted them throughout their stay that made for a deep cultural exchange. They returned happier with more friends and lasting memories.

  CHIREC has been partnering with Thayer Academy in Boston for 9 consecutive years. It has also been hosting students and faculty of Thayer Academy in India since 2014.
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• Student Exchange Programme at Thayer Academy, Massachusetts (2018-2019)

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  As a part of CHIREC’s student exchange program, a group of 13 students from CAIE (9 and 10) and CBSE (11 and 12), accompanied by two faculty members, travelled to Boston between 9th October 2018 and 19th October 2018. CHIREC has been partnering with Thayer Academy in Boston for seven consecutive years on this exchange program.

  Upon arrival in Boston, the students were received by Ms. Darah Harper from the Thayer school and the host families.

  On 10th October, the students were taken to Google, Boston. The Middle School students of Thayer also joined, accompanied by three more teachers from Thayer Academy.

  CHIREC students were given the opportunity to observe classes in an American school. They also visited places such as the Boston Public Garden, Boston Commons, the State building, Harvad University and Prudential Centre. The most interesting part of the visit to the Prudential Building was the Skywalk on the 50th floor of the building, from where the students saw an aerial view of Boston City, including MIT and the Baseball Stadium at Fenway Park.

  During their visit to Microsoft, the students were engaged in the activity of making buttons in their innovative space called THE GARRAGE. They also enjoyed experiencing virtual reality through different games developed by Microsoft.

  The students visit to Fenway Park, the Baseball Stadium, gave them a glimpse of the gear and uniforms of the Boston Red Sox.

  At the Science Museum, the group watched the Great Barrier Reef at Omni Theatre on a 180-degree screen that resembled a half globe.

  The students returned from their visit having created lasting relationships with their peers from Thayer Academy.

  
  

  
  

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• Student Exchange Programme at CHIREC (2017-2018). Students from Thayer Academy, USA

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  CHIREC has been progressively instilling the concept of ‘internationalism’ among its students by showing acceptance of different cultures, open mindedness and tolerance to the students by introducing them to diverse cultures and people, through Student Exchange Programs.

  One such cultural exchange was the 10-days visit by a group of 10 students and 2 faculty members from Thayer Academy, Braintree, Massachusetts, USA. CHIREC planned a 4-day tour of the ‘Golden Triangle’ - Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, for the guests. The splendid Taj Mahal, palaces and forts of Jaipur and heritage sites in Delhi and Fatehpur Sikhri gave them an understanding of the rich history of art in India.

  The second part of the tour had the group visit Hyderabad and experience the cultural diversity of India when they travel from North of India to the Southern parts. In Hyderabad, Thayer Academy students were greeted by the Principals and Vice Principals of CHIREC’s International section and a formal welcome was given during the morning assembly. For the next 5 days, students of both schools bonded well over food, collaborative art projects (graffiti, rangoli and clay modeling) and during classes debating about issues of stereotypes. The students of both schools also visited T-HUB to witness the new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship and their visit to Indian School of Business for management education showcased the quality of education and research in India.

  The faculty members of the two schools too had their share of discussions and meetings to share ideas for teaching and learning and think of prospective projects between the schools.

  Thayer Academy Student’s Testimonials

  Sola Osinubi, Grade 10th
  “I learnt that no matter where you go across the world, people are exact same, people still smile and laugh and you can learn to be happy. We did a lot of sightseeing and visited the Taj Mahal, did elephant rides and went to bunch of forts, which were all very cool. My host was amazing and I also made a lot of friends. It was nice to experience a different culture. At school, I attended a psychology class and found it different as there is a lot of discussion and the teacher steps back and let the students handle it and I thought that was really helpful, which we don’t do at school and the teacher usually facilitates.” Lucy Relaford, Grade 12th “I had a lot of fun during the programme and I thought it was a great thing. I was super excited to go to India and also very nervous but it was really nice to do all the sight-seeing and come here and actually meet people and see what school is like in India and see what they do for fun. It was nice to meet other teenagers from around the world. At CHIREC, it was nice to get to know other people and see what they are interested in and what type of classes does CHIREC have. It was also interesting to get to know about the education system as we have elementary school, middle school and high school. Also, here there is more emphasis on examinations. The only class we attended was the theory of knowledge and we talked about stereotypes. It was really insightful and we liked it. I am excited to go back and tell my friends everything about the people I met here and how beautiful India is and get them really excited for the exchange students to come to us.”

  Jamie Grillo, Grade 9th
  “It is a good way to get to know India and its culture and see what kids your age would be doing in a foreign land that you otherwise would not experience like on a family trip or a trip through a travel agency. Thayer has a lot less students than CHIREC and there are so many people here that you can get to know so many types of people and so many different areas. There is difference in the education system such as course structuring and grading. I attended the pottery, fashion designing and the theory of knowledge classes. The latter was my favourite as it gives a talk about the world around us and goes into other types of thinking. It really opens our mind up. Thayer doesn’t really have that. They just have set classes on set subjects and doesn’t really allow you to explore different areas that would otherwise be not available.”

  Ella Green, Grade 10th
  “The exchange programme gave me an opportunity to see a new culture and meet new people and see how diverse the world is yet similar at the same time. I think the coolest part about exchange programme was staying in someone else’s home and getting to experience how they live instead of just staying in a hotel and sight-seeing like a tourist. We feel much closer with our hosts and I made friends with her friends and my friend’s hosts. We attended the English, Spanish and cooking classes. My favourite class was the cooking class because I am not much of a cook and I learnt how to cook Indian food and chai. The main difference that I noticed is that, in CHIREC math is math while in Thayer we have different math classes like algebra, geometry etc. My favourite place was Taj Mahal, which is just gorgeous.”

  Karina Kilburn, Grade 10th
  “I got to experience what it is like to go to a different school and meet new people and learn about the culture, which is so diverse and different. Thayer is lot smaller compared to CHIREC. At Thayer we take basic classes like Maths, Science and English but here you have economics, psychology and cooking class, which we don’t have. We attended a cooking class and a clay modelling class and I thought that was really cool because we don’t have classes like that at Thayer and I thought if we did, a lot of people would take them. Cooking class was my favourite as I love to cook and I am always cooking American food and cooking Indian food is a lot different. I think I have learnt that even though we are so far away from other people, they live half way across the world, experiencing different cultures and living in different ways, still we are all so similar at the same time.”

  Madhav Kolhi, IB 12, CHIREC
  “All families loved to have Thayer students in their house. School Management made sure that they could spend quality time with us and they could come to see how our school runs and I think they loved it a lot because they say this is the best trip they have been to. I learnt that Thayer Academy students are 2 years younger to me and they are very organised, mature and punctual.”

  Srilekhya Rao, IB 12, CHIREC
  “At first, we were hesitant, nervous and shy as they were coming to India for the first time, how will they feel talking to us and will they be comfortable but within the first 10 mins, all barriers were broken down and there were no differences. It was like having another sister/ brother in the house. That really increased our view point as we know that it is easy to make friends and mingle with people from other cultures as long as you are open minded and willing to make the effort. In 12th grade now we are talking about colleges as we are applying this year but Thayer 10th grade students know just as much as we do. Most of us here just follow set career paths such as engineering or business but they want to pursue a career in music, fashion, psychiatry and that’s one thing that we are encouraged to know that if they can pursue it, then we can too. I think one thing all the families that are hosting these kids have learnt was to cook Indian food without it being spicy.”

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• Student Exchange Programme at CHIREC (2017-2018). Students from Labourdonnais College, Mauritius

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  CHIREC hosted 15 students & 4 teachers of Labourdonnais College, Mauritius, as a part of the 6-day Student Exchange Programme from 26th Nov ’17 to 1st Dec ‘17. Each student was assigned a host family, who took good care of them and served regional cuisine. In school, the guests were given a warm welcome in the traditional Indian style during the special cultural assembly, followed by the school tour and interaction with the CHIREC students, faculty members, principals of both the sections and the Director. M
  
  During their time at CHIREC, Labourdonnais College students attended English Language, Business Studies and Psychology classes with the International section students of CHIREC. They visited the sports facilities and played table tennis and volleyball. They attended Art class, Music class, the Clay Modelling class where they used the potter’s wheel and made decorative pots and flowers and the Home Science Lab where they learnt how to prepare two South Indian delicacies.
  
  During their spare time, the school took the guests to various tourist spots in Hyderabad, such as the Ramoji Film City, Golconda Fort, Salarjung Museum, Charminar and Qutub Shahi Tombs. The guests purchased the Bidri craft articles, lacquer and pearl jewellery from the old city, and thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Shilparamam where they purchased Indian handicrafts, souvenirs and ethnic dresses. They also relished the Hyderabadi Biryani and Mughlai food at the city restaurants.
  
  On the last day, the students of Labourdonnais College, Mauritius, were given a grand farewell. They were invited to take part in the carnival wherein the CHIREC students presented about the colourful festival of Mardi Gras. Later, the Mauritian students showcased their talents by singing and dancing to their traditional and popular songs, while collaborating with CHIREC students during the presentations. A Mauritian student delivered a speech about Mauritius and its beautiful islands, and extended an invitation to CHIRECians to visit them. The guest faculty members thanked CHIREC for the hospitality and the cultural showcase.
  
  
  Mr. Shafeeq Soobadar, Director and son of the founder of the Labourdonnais College, Mr. Houmayoun Soobadar: “The world is becoming a global village and people of different backgrounds and origins should all stick together as then we can achieve a lot. Friendship is important and distance should not be a problem. CHIREC & Labourdonnais College share the Cambridge curriculum and can share knowledge and the way of teaching. Both the schools insist on holistic development for our children. While, Mauritius has 1.3 million people and has one culture and habit, meeting different cultures is rare and is a unique experience. In Mauritius, the school environment is completely different. Here, first thing I notice is the positive environment. The students are disciplined and well behaved. The cultural exchange programme has given a clarity and the experience of the Indian culture to all the students and staff. This is the second time I am visiting Hyderabad and it is the loveliest city in India. When I came for the first time, I was amazed by the city. I wanted my students to come and see how Hyderabad is growing fast and evolving.”

  Sajjaad Sunnooman, Economics Teacher :“This is our first exchange programme. Our staff were reluctant at first to travel this long distance and we took 2 months to plan this. I would like to thank the management team, teachers, and students who accommodated us. The hospitality was beyond my expectation and imagination. It was unbelievable and we were not expecting it. The host families did not allow us to pay. The students have been asking me how will they exchange this money in Mauritius, there is nothing to buy in rupees. We were not expecting that there will no expenses. Students would like to come back with their families. About the teaching at CHIREC, the methodology is quite different. Teachers allow the students to develop their skills in what they are good at.”

  Oliver Owen Gaetan Joseph, Head Boy 2017-18 “It was a great experience. The people of Hyderabad are very friendly and they mingled with us very well. They have a sense of oneness and togetherness and treated us like king. We went to many attractions such as Charminar, Museum, etc, where we discovered the Hyderabadi culture, style and art. We attended a class on sociology and they were talking about how emotion can act on someone and how you can influence someone’s perception. We even attended Business Studies class, where we studied type of advertising that is informative and persuasive. This helped me as we study same subjects in our college. The takeaway for me from the experience is the sense of cooperation and oneness, I experienced here. I am going to try to instil it in my friends and family and show them how we were treated and treat others likewise.”

  Melanie Shannen Typhis, Head Girl 2017-18 : “It was my 1st time travelling in a plane. There are some stereotypes about India that it is polluted, and dirty. When we were transiting through Chennai, it was very polluted and people were driving like crazy. In Mauritius, it is not normal. When we came to Hyderabad, my expectations changed. It is not so polluted and people are friendly. I enjoyed staying with my host family. I was not homesick. We had breakfast and dinner together. I was lucky to have found my family in them. CHIREC is a big school and people here talk to you even if they don’t know you. We attended Business Studies and English classes. I prefer English. It was interesting the way teacher teach their students with video projection. Our generation understands something when we see with our eyes because everything is digital. It was very interesting. Ramoji Film City was my favourite place. I knew some of the places there as I watch Indian movies. We went for rides, had lunch and took pictures & videos.”

  Marie Alycia Michelle:  “I attended the science class and learnt about cells and what do cells constitute of. The school took us to the museum, which was a really nice place. We also visited Ramoji Film City, where we enjoyed all the rides. I really liked the way people treated us here. I really liked my host and their hospitality. I made a lot of friends. Basically, I thought  it was going to be like I don’t know her, I won’t talk to her but it was otherwise. They talked to me and played with me especially my host family. I would like to tell my friends back home about the hospitality that we received here and I would like to say that when people give you too much, don’t abuse.”

  Marie Christabella Annais Charlot : “India is different from our country and we experienced a new culture. The people are very friendly and I don’t want to leave them. It was amazing. I really like the Shilparaman market, which had traditional dresses and sandals at good prices. CHIREC students here are so friendly. We have the same subjects and books. We attended the Clay Modelling class, which was a new experience as we don’t have this in our school.”

  Bibi Haajarah Dhoomun : “I really loved coming to India and I did not think it would be such a great opportunity. We spent an incredible time here. Everyone was nice and caring. The host families treated us like families and I feel really touched. I don’t want to leave India, I want to stay here. Classes are very different from Mauritius as we don’t have video projection to discuss topics.”

  Charles Yohan Alexandro Chan Lok :“Everything was well organised especially Ramoji Film City, which was a wonderful experience. I really liked the host family with whom I stayed. We attended the commerce and the sociology classes, which were very instructive as we have same syllabus.”

  Haadiyah Bibi Dhoomun: “It has been a very nice experience. We were welcomed with garlands. We attended the Psychology and Business Studies classes, where they showed us an informative video. It was very different. People at CHIREC are very friendly. We were taken to the Inorbit mall, where we had Italian lunch. We also went to Shilparamam and Ramoji Film City. On our last day at CHIREC, we performed on Exo Growl, during the morning assembly.”

  Bilal Oozeer: “It was an awesome experience. I don’t have a word to describe it. It was amazing. We enjoyed and had lots of fun. We played with the CHIREC band and they were very friendly. We practiced once and performed during the assembly on our last day. We even attended Business Studies classes, which I thought is similar to our school. Ramoji Film City was the best.

  Humairah Bibi Faatimah Dhoomun:  “It was a very nice experience and we got to share our cultures. Ramoji Film City was very nice and we saw a film shooting. At CHIREC, we attended the biology class, where we were taught with a projector. The teachers explain in detail.”

  Shiekh Muhammad Ibrahim Bin Muhadjir Jaunbocus:  “My experience of this programme was very good. The school is very nice and we attended the Biology & Home Science classes. I didn’t make many friends but learnt about the culture. Ramoji Film City was my favourite place. It is so colourful and big.”

  Irfan Oozeer:  “Hyderabad is a very beautiful city. It is the most beautiful in India. The people here are well educated and have good manners. I am really happy to come here and I will come again. I also liked the host family. They were like my own family.”

  Samuel Jean Christopher Lamto “It was an amazing experience. The whole school is very nice and big. All students are very friendly. It is like our school. Hyderabad is very beautiful and clean. I would like to come later again. My favourite was the Ramoji Film City, from where I got tattoos.”

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• Student Exchange Programme at Labourdonnais College, Mauritius (2016-2017)

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  CHIREC International encourages students to attend Exchange Programs to learn as much as they can about the cultures of other countries. In May, Ms. Snehalatha and Ms. Manju Sharma accompanied 12 9th Grade students on their Exchange Programme to Labourdonnais College in Mauritius, for a period of 2 weeks. The group basked in Mauritian culture and the highlight of their trip was their meeting with the President of the Mauritius. Students from Labourdonais College are likely to visit CHIREC in October 2017.

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• Student Exchange Programme at Thayer Academy, Massachusetts (2016-2017)

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  From the 20th to 29th of April 2017, a group of 12 students (from CBSE and IB) and 2 teachers (chaperones) attended our annual exchange program with the Thayer Academy in Boston, Massachusetts. During this program, students volunteer to travel and live with host families in the United States and participate in the cultural, social and educational exchange between students of both CHIREC and Thayer Academy.

  The ten-day program saw a series of events planned for the students, which involved living and travelling locally with the host families, attending classes to see how things are similar and different in the two schools, being a part of the games to know about some new sports, attending the cultural events of the host school planned during the week and getting to travel in and around Boston to experience the city.

  The objective of the program was to let the high school students experience living independently but in a secure environment, to give them a chance to make decisions, network with people and get to know the world outside. It also gave youngsters from both countries opportunities to learn about each other’s country, their culture and practices and learn from each other.

• Collaboration with Heddington Primary School, United Kingdom (2015-2016)

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  One of the prime objectives of the International curriculum is to go global. In another major step taken by CHIREC International towards providing opportunities to groom the students into confident and reflective individuals, CHIREC has tied up with Heddington C.E Primary School, Heddington, United Kingdom.

  The theme of this collaboration project is ‘Getting to know the culture of each other’s countries’ wherein the students of Stage 3 will be actively involved with the 3rd graders of Heddington Primary to understand each other’s culture and the way of life. This project will enable the students to express their experiences and understanding, as well as expand their horizons to gain a global outlook. The students of Heddington have sent letters to our students introducing themselves and wanting to know about our students and the school. Our 3rd graders worked in groups to write interesting letters detailing the school, routine at school, and their interests.

  Over the next two weeks, students from CHIREC will talk to the students at Heddington about the festivals we celebrate, the dresses of different states , the cuisine, the dance, and the music of India, through pictures, presentations, and videos.

  As a continuation of the collaboration exercise with the students of Heddington Primary,U.K, the students of Stage 3 B took the aspect of the Food and Cuisine of India today. They intended to make the 3rd grade students of Heddington school aware of the fact that India is a country of gastronomical delights and the spice and delicacies from all parts of the country are enjoyed by people all over the world.

  Students of Stage 3 B were enlightened by Krish Malpani on the recipe of making the all time favourite Rajasthani sweet- CHURMA. They were all delighted to know that his mother had sent CHURMA for all the students They all took a small helping of the sweet. The sweet was well liked by everyone in the class. Some of the expressions used by his friends were- DELIGHTFUL ! NUTRITIOUS ! MOUTH WATERING!

  The collaboration has generated tremendous excitement amongst the students and they are looking forward to having few more interesting activities for Heddington students during the entire week.The students have been curious to know about the schedule of the next collaboration exercise.

  

  

  

  In continuation with the activities planned to showcase our culture to Heddington Primary, U.K , Students of Stage 3 A gave an insight about the Dance and music forms of India. Kinnera Potluri and Sai Pravalika presented Kuchipudi dances while Alisha Patwardan presented a graceful Kathak dance. The students also danced to an energetic Bhangra tune and sang the evergreen prayer song-Ek Tu Hi Bharosa . Manya Agarwal gave a melodious rendition of a Hindustani music song.

  Students of Stage 3 C wore traditional dresses of different states and had an impressive ramp walk with the objective of highlighting the colourful costumes of our people.

  Not to be left behind, students of Stage 3 D shared information by means of a presentation on different festivals celebrated in India namely Diwali, Dussera, Holi,Onam, Eid, Rakhi and Sankranti emphasizing on the aspect of bonding,sharing and togetherness amongst the families during the festivals.

  Their enthusiasm knew no bounds as the students in groups decorated diyas and rakhis ,made Diwali lanterns and also drew and coloured intricate Rangoli designs to give an idea about the festivity associated with festivals celebrated in India. The pictures and video shoots have been shared with the Head of Heddington Primary,Mr Martin so that the students of Class 3 at Heddington will be able to know about India.

  We have compiled the gamut of activities done at school by our students to give shape to this project

  

  

  

• Student Exchange Programme at Thayer Academy, Massachusetts (2015-2016)

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  CHIREC students and faculty visited the Thayer Academy in Boston for a student exchange programme from the 8th to 23rd of April, 2016. During their time at Thayer Academy, the CHIREC faculty and students observed different teaching strategies utilized in the learning process at the Thayer Academy.

  Apart from sharing our own traditions and family values with our hosts during our interactions with them, the students from CHIREC appreciated the cultural heritage of the Boston, and witnessed the age-old Boston Marathon. The students experienced the cultural differences in the dignity of labour, the ownership that the students at Thayer Academy take of their education, and the all-around courteousness of the people.

• Student Exchange Programme at CHIREC (2014-2015)

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  The school made a promising start to the year by hosting the students and mentors of the Thayer Academy, Boston, USA, as part of our long standing exchange program with the school. The guests spent a week at CHIREC, taking in the flavors of the culture and life in India through their stay with our students’ families, their experiences at CHIREC, and also through their tourist visits to the cultural hubs of Hyderabad.

  

  My experience at CHIREC was amazing! Everyone here was so kind and welcoming. The campus was so beautiful and open. The classes were much smaller than at my school, but were cool to watch. Here in Hyderabad, it was nice to see such a different culture and way of life. At CHIREC, I had a great time and met so many nice people. My trip here was so special and will remember it forever!

  

  My experience of CHIREC has been one I will not forget. I didn’t know what to expect of the school when I first decided to come to India, but when I first stepped on to the campus, I knew it was a special place. CHIREC is very different from my school, Thayer Academy, but the students and faculty are just as, if not more, welcoming and friendly. After observing quite a few classes spending time with a few students, and participating in a few sports activities. I realized that CHIREC is a one of a mind place and I feel so lucky to have been able to spend time here during my stay in Hyderabad.

  

  Ever since I visited CHIREC five years ago, I have wanted to bring my wife, Joyce, to experience the warmth and hospitality of the CHIREC family and all the Indian people. Joyce has become as infatuated as I with Indian culture, and we have made some learn friends whom we hope to entertain in the U.S. soon.

  

  The people of CHIREC were so welcoming and allowed me to experience the best time I could. I absolutely loved the Battas, my host family and became very close with them. I can say I will deeply miss them. It was such a different culture here in Hyderabad compared to Boston, but it was extremely mind opening and interesting to learn about. Playing the game cricket was so fun and I cannot wait to return to the U.S. and share my experiences with Thayer and my family. Thank you for such a wonderful time!

  

  I had so much fun at CHIREC! I was a little apprehensive about coming to India, but CHIREC welcomed us with open arms. I will always remember this amazing experience. Trisha and Bindu Batta were the best hosts. I could have ever asked for and I plan to stay in touch with them. Thanks again to everyone who made this unforgettable trip possible.

  

  Visiting the class rooms was both interesting and joyful for me as I wanted to capture the enthusiasm and love of learning of the students and the affection between the students and teachers. The colours of India were a joy to behold and I felt i was watching a fashion show as I travelled around. I feel I have made many new friends that I will hold in my heart.Thank you to all the teachers who accompanied us each day and the students who were friendly, helpful, and welcoming.

  

  I am very glad that I came on this exchange trip. It really exceeded my expectations. All of the sights that we got to see were just amazing. One thing that I think could be changed would be the scheduling. It seemed that this week no one was around. I wasn’t able to see as many classes as I would have liked to, but other than that this trip was excellent.

• Student Exchange Programme at Thayer Academy, Massachusetts (2013-2014)

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  The student exchange programme to Thayer Academy from 25th April to 8th May, 2014 was a splendid experience. 12 students and 2 faculty members made these two weeks very memorable both for themselves and for those they came across.

  Being greeted by the coordinator, Jim Pickle, and the host families on arrival, set the tone for a very purposeful association. There was absolutely no anxiety and we were all instantly accepted for who we were. The only anxiety that gripped us was our ability to withstand the weather. It was cold, windy and raining.

  Come Monday the 11th, and our visit to the school amazed us. Meeting the staff, management, and the students was very pleasant. Schedules for classroom attendance was handed over to each one of us. The classes in progress gave us an idea of their teacher- student relationship and teaching styles. Here, it must be mentioned that CHIREC does not stand far behind. For the rest of the week, daily visits to Boston by train was arranged. We visited the JFK Museum, the Science Museum, the Omni Theatre at Harvard University, the Prudential Building, the Boston Public Park, and the Trinity Church, amongst other tourist places of interest. We also had the pleasure of whale watching. At Braintree, we visited the Plymouth Plantation, the Wrentham mall, the Braintree Mall, and other places as well.

  The visit had a purpose, and it was fulfilled more than 100 percent, getting to understand their best teaching practices and the American culture. We are all richer for the experience.

  CHIREC’S student exchange programme is going to go places, and Thayer Academy is just the start.

• Student Exchange Programme at Thayer Academy, Massachusetts (2012-2013)

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  The third successful and most fruitful trip to Thayer Academy from CHIREC. The CHIREC team comprising of 12 students accompanied by Mrs Rani left to Boston on 17th May, 2013, for a fortnight long trip. They had a successful and memorable trip which helped them to enhance their skills both scholastic and co-scholastic. The students stayed with American families and had to report to school on all the working days by 8 am. After attending the classes the students were taken for sightseeing in and around BOSTON to places such as the John F. Kennedy Library, Whale watch, Science Museum, Aquarium, Plymouth plantations, visit to MIT and shopping at New Burry Street and Braintree Malls.

  The programme was a good learning experience for the students who were able to get thorough insight about the American family values along with their food habits and customs. The host families also enjoyed the love and affection shared by our students along with the Goodies and souvenirs.

  Finally the team had to bid farewell to Thayer Academy and Boston on 31st May, 2013 and reached Hyderabad on 2nd June. An unforgettable experience is how they described it.

• Student Exchange Programme at Thayer Academy, Massachusetts (2011-2012)

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  CHIREC Senior Secondary students are given the opportunity to visit Thayer Academy at Braintree, Massachusetts on a Student Exchange Programme. This programme aims to:

  >> Increase the participants’ understanding of other cultures.

  >> To improve their language skills.

  >> Broadening their social horizons and sample cultural differences.

  >> An exchange student typically stays with a host family for the duration of the stay.

  >> Our students attend classes and are totally immersed in the daily school routine at Thayer.

  >> Sightseeing expeditions are planned to explore Boston City and the Boston harbour for Whale watching.

  >> The Boston Science Museum is an amazing learning experience.

  >> One of the highlights of the visit is a trip to MIT, the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where students get an intimate view of life in MIT from our alumnus Ms Aakriti who takes great pleasure in meeting students from her Alma Mater.