For those interested in an unforgettable adventure, Branksome Hall's Global Engagement program is a chance to explore the world, make new friends and live like a local in another country. These are not a school trip with friends or a vacation without parents—it’s an immersive experience designed to help students grow. It's all part of Branksome’s goal to give girls an incredible IB advantage focused on academics, well-being and global citizenship.

Exchanges

Participating in an exchange is a valuable way to build self-confidence and empathy, and to learn about different cultures. 

This year, Grade 8 students can choose an exchange with Sherborne Girls’ School in England or St. George’s School for Girls in Scotland. Grade 10s can head to Australia for an exchange with either St. Hilda's in Perth or Pymble Ladies College near Sydney, or choose to explore Europe with a trip to Colegio Jesus Maria in Madrid, Spain.

Leila, who was in Grade 10 at the time of her exchange last year, shared, “My Spanish exchange in Madrid was an amazing and meaningful experience! It gave me a chance to immerse myself in a new culture, improve my Spanish and build new friendships overseas. My exchange student and I became close friends, and I am so grateful that Branksome offers opportunities like this.”

Grade 9 student Isabelle, who went on exchange to Scotland, reflects, “Going on exchange was an amazing experience that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Living somewhere new meant meeting people from all over, adjusting to different routines and figuring things out on my own. It wasn’t always easy, but the challenges made it rewarding, and I came away with memories, new perspectives and friendships that I’ll always value.”

Global Trips

While the deadline for the Grades 8 and 10 exchanges has passed for this year, Grades 9 to 12 students can still apply for this year’s Global Engagement trips to Costa Rica and the Yukon (with a just-passed deadline offering the opportunity to travel to South Africa and Vietnam).

The spring South Africa trip highlights Branksome’s longtime partnership with the Get Ahead Project School in Komani. Students explore leadership by delivering project-based learning to young students. In the second part of the trip, they learn about South Africa’s culture and history. New this year is a spring trip to Vietnam with ALIVE Outdoors, where students and teachers will travel to different towns and villages to experience Vietnamese culture and food.

In the summer, students can participate in one of Branksome’s longest-running trips: Costa Rica. The focus of this trip is turtle conservation, a homestay, community work and tourism. 

Mila, who took part last year, shared, “The Costa Rica trip was an amazing experience. We were able to connect with so many new people, learn about culture and help with animal conservation. I will remember this trip for a long time." Radhika also loved the experience: "My trip to Costa Rica gave me so much confidence. During the exchange, we had the chance to try many activities I never would have attempted otherwise, most of them outside my comfort zone. Having the opportunity to face these challenges, especially through experiences like our nightly beach and forest walks in the dark, helped me grow more comfortable with the unfamiliar. Repeatedly pushing myself in this way built my confidence in ways I didn’t expect."

New this year is a summer trip to the Yukon with ALIVE Outdoors, where students and teachers will learn about food and agriculture, relationships between government and First Nations, and resource management.

Deann Rousseau, Branksome’s Library and Exchange Coordinator, strongly believes in the power of these programs to foster global mindedness: "Coordinating the student exchange program is a rewarding part of my job because I get to watch students not only build relationships with their exchange partner and host families, but also see Branksome families come together to make the exchange experience great for visiting students."

Learn more about Branksome Hall’s local and global opportunities here. Current families can also explore the International Exchanges and Trips board on the MyBranksome Portal for details.