Cultural Exchange

About

The International Cultural Exchange Program at Pymble provides Year 10 students with a transformative opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture while expanding both their academic and personal horizons. This program is designed to enrich students' educational experience by exposing them to diverse learning environments, global issues, and international affairs specific to their host country. Beyond academic growth, participants will develop critical life skills, such as independence, self-confidence, and cross-cultural communication, while forging lifelong friendships and gaining valuable international experience. This journey will foster maturity, enhance their global awareness, and help shape them into future global citizens equipped to thrive in an interconnected world.

The International Exchange Program expects your child to attend the Exchange School and participate in all aspects of school life. The Exchange School will allocate a family from the Exchange School to the Student during their time on the Program (the Host Family). In most cases, your child will live with their Host Family for the duration of the Program. In other exchanges, students may board at the Exchange School and be hosted by their Host Family in a more limited capacity.   While participating in school and home life with the Student’s Exchange School and Host Family, your child may participate in a number of activities (including on weekends and out of school hours) which may include:  

• excursions

• school camps

• social events and parties

• recreational activities

• extra-curricular activities such as sport, music and performing arts

Pymble's Cultural Exchange program operates for 4-6 week blocks from March to December. All of our exchange partners are like-minded schools from around the world. Our partners value the importance and quality of student exchange as a contribution to their students' schooling experience. 

There is no financial exchange between the host school and the tuition for either exchange student. All financial expenses are incurred by the host schools unless specified at the time of organisation (e.g. excursions, camps) unless this is specified. Some schools have a bond as part of the exchange, which is refunded upon exiting. 

There are no academic outcomes set by either school when students are attending their host school; however, our Pymble students may be travelling when assessments are occurring. The Pymble student is responsible for ensuring they meet their academic requirements while on exchange. Support will be provided for students to ensure they get the most from the experience while on exchange. 

Students must be enrolled as current Pymble student at the time of taking the exchange, and tuition fees must not be in arrears. Students may not be permitted to take part in a school exchange if any tuition fees are outstanding.

Educational Benefits

• Embrace a Holistic Approach to Learning - Pymble students will engage in diverse educational settings, experiencing a range of teaching styles and cultural norms while fostering adaptability and a global perspective on learning.

• Increased interest in Global Issues - Exposure to new cultures and societies to spark a deeper understanding of and commitment to global challenges, inspiring students to become proactive global citizens.

• Expand their Knowledge of International Affairs - Students on exchange develop a nuanced understanding of international affairs, through direct experience and interaction with peers from diverse backgrounds. 

• Development of Cultural Awareness - Students can develop skills that enrich their academic studies and personal lives long after the exchange

• Enhancement of Personal and Academic Growth—By navigating new environments and learning systems, students will cultivate skills such as independence, resilience, and time management, which will empower them to excel in future academic and professional pursuits.

Personal Benefits

• Increased self-confidence  - Navigating a new country, culture and education system will help students develop greater self-confidence as they successfully overcome challenges and thrive in unfamiliar environments

• Boost self-esteem - Successfully adapting to a new culture and forging relationships will contribute to higher self-esteem, giving students a sense of pride in their ability to manage themselves and their learning in a foreign setting.

• Growth in Maturity - Living away from home will encourage students to become more mature, responsible, and accountable for their actions, helping them develop into more thoughtful and self-reliant young adults.  

• Improved Communication Skills - Students will enhance their communication ability, particularly in diverse and cross-cultural settings. This includes learning to navigate language barriers and understanding cultural nuances in communication.

• Cultural Appreciation and Celebration of Diversity - Immersion in a new culture will deepen students' appreciation of cultural uniqueness and foster an understanding that diversity should be celebrated, leading to a more inclusive and empathetic worldview.

• Increased Independence and Decision-Making Skills - Students will become more independent, learning how to make decisions, solve problems, and manage day-to-day challenges without the direct support of their families, thereby gaining essential life skills.

• Valuable International Experience—The exchange will provide students with valuable international exposure, enriching their personal growth and adding a global dimension to their future academic and professional prospects.

• Lifelong Friendships - By living and learning alongside peers from different cultures, students will forge meaningful and lifelong friendships, creating a global network of connections that can support their personal and professional futures.

Safety andRisk Information

At Pymble, we understand that managing international programs like student exchanges involves inherent risks, both real and perceived. Participation in the International Exchange Program involves inherent risks which, while mitigated through planning, may still result in personal injury, illness, or worse. Parents should understand and accept the nature of these potential hazards. 

International Exchange Students may be exposed to risks, including: 

• Physical injuries

• Emotional distress or psychological discomfort from physical strain, peer interaction or cultural differences

• Exposure to environmental hazards, such as extreme heat, cold or natural disasters

• Spread of infection or illness, including from waterborne or airborne pathogens

• Exacerbation of existing medical or psychological conditions

These risks may arise from the nature of the activity, environmental conditions, or the behaviour of others. While we have a sound understanding of the Exchange School your child will be attending, we have carried out reasonable inquiries as part of our process of vetting the international exchange schools, and we work with those schools to understand their policies, procedures and practices, some level of risk remains inherent. As the Exchange School is in another country, the laws and regulations will be different to those applicable in Australia, including those relating to the safeguarding of children and young people. The policies, procedures and practices of the Exchange School will not be the same as the College’s. 

However, we want to ensure that safety is the foundation of all our initiatives. Through the meticulous implementation of well-considered and established policies, procedures, and practices, we can deliver these programs safely and effectively, ensuring the well-being of our students remains our top priority.   

We conduct thorough risk assessments and contingency planning for every destination, ensuring we are prepared to handle emergencies and provide appropriate support. Our staff maintain constant communication channels with our students abroad.   

We also collaborate with school partners to align our practices with regional safety standards and guidelines. This multi-layered approach helps mitigate risks and ensures that our students are well-supported throughout their journey.  

Furthermore, we provide pre-departure orientation and "ready to host" sessions for students and their families, covering cultural adaptation, health precautions, and personal safety. These sessions aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate their new environments confidently and responsibly.  

In addition, we want to emphasise that we continuously monitor global and domestic developments that might impact student travel, such as geopolitical changes, natural disasters, and public health concerns. Our dynamic risk management framework allows us to make informed decisions and adapt our plans accordingly, ensuring the wellbeing of our students remains a top priority at all times.  

This comprehensive approach ensures that, notwithstanding the usual accidents, incidents, and illnesses associated with school programs, our student exchange initiatives provide enriching and safe experiences for all participants.

Parent & Student Responsibility

Safety is a shared responsibility. Parents are expected to disclose any relevant medical, psychological, or behavioural information that may affect participation. This includes medications, allergies, chronic illnesses, and any condition requiring a management plan.

Parents must ensure that:

• the student takes sufficient prescription medications with them for the duration of the program, if required

• they review the student's medical information on MyPymble and make any changes necessary to ensure that it is accurate and current

• they provide any medical and health information that the Exchange School requests for the Student to the Exchange School

• any changes in the student's medical or health condition, while on Exchange, are communicated to the College.

Parents have several responsibilities in relation to the International Exchange Program such as:

• supporting the Student for the duration of the International Exchange Program

• respecting the Exchange School’s policies regarding their operations and student behaviour

• supporting and respecting the Host Family’s rules

Similarly, as the Student has previously agreed, they are required to: 

• participate as an active member of the Exchange School and their Host Family, assuming duties and responsibilities, including extra-curricular activities, as appropriate

• respect and follow the Exchange School and Host Family rules

Safety and Wellbeing 

Pymble prides itself on the safety and wellbeing of our programs. Our highest priority is our commitment to the wellbeing of our students off and on campus. Our key objective is guiding our students and families through a safe and secure experience.

We manage this by:

• only choosing to partner with schools that have strong child safeguarding policies and procedures

• preparing and implementing a risk management plan for each exchange experience

• always providing an exchange in pairs (as a minimum)

• prepare students to manage their exchange experience independently

• staff to travel with students and settle into the experience, where possible

• communicate openly and regularly with our school partners, families and students

• meet the statutory requirements of the host country

• include comprehensive insurance, including international SOS cover 

• regularly checking in with our students whilst on exchange and whilst hosting

• monitoring government travel warnings from DFAT (https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/)

• pre-departure meetings and training for students travelling with Wellbeing staff

• maintaining up-to-date program policies and procedures to ensure program staff/co-ordinators are well-trained 

• point of contact at the host school for any wellbeing or safety concerns, as well as their Pymble Wellbeing contact person

Host Family Screening

Each country, state and territory has variations in the legal requirements for working with children and criminal background checks. We work closely with our school partners to ensure that, legally, we comply with these requirements. Additionally, our school partners have strict safeguarding policies and procedures, with their host family checking requirements, which are based on the selection of their daughter being a part of a reciprocal arrangement. At Pymble, we will ensure that we implement the same safety requirements when hosting any students in their family home. 

In Australia, any family member over 18 who will reside in the home for the duration of the hosting period will be required to follow strict guidelines for child safeguarding. 

Things to consider before expressing interest in the Pymble Student Exchange Program

• Goals - what are your ambitions and goals for participating in the Cultural Exchange program? 

• Passports/VISAs—Students must have a current passport (valid for 6 months from the return date of travel). If students do not have an Australian passport, the family must check their child's visa requirements BEFORE submitting their application. 

• Homesickness - how will you manage being away from home for an extended period of time?

• Challenges - How will you manage any challenges while overseas?

• Housing Arrangements - can your family accommodate another person in your household? This means a bedroom and personal space.

• Pymble Boarders - our boarding family are encouraged to apply; however, a conversation needs to occur with the Director of Boarding and your family about what the exchange will look like for you. Families will need to present during the Exchange for weekend activities and arrangements. 

• Scheduling - Students are asked to carefully check their school and personal schedules for the exchange dates before committing to avoid significant clashes.

• Academic load - how will you manage your academic studies whilst away? Are you organised and self-motivated to complete work independently? 

• Ambassador - how can I be an Ambassador of Pymble?

Costs Associated with Student Exchange (2026)

Each family is responsible for the costs associated with Cultural exchange:

• $900.00 - Exchange fee - This will be applied to your College account upon selection. It includes travel insurance and International SOS service. 

• Return airfares for their child. It is a requirement that all students who are selected as a group for the exchange school, must transit together on the same flight. We will work with families to assist with this process.

• Student spending money for the entirety of their child's travel

• Visa or passport costs - see below

Travel Insurance Policy

Our policy is with Chubb Business Travel and policy information is available from the Student Exchange Co-ordinator.

Students who are selected for the Exchange Program will be covered under the College's travel policy and international SOS. 

Visa and Passports

Any student who intends to apply for the Exchange Program should obtain a valid passport immediately, as this procedure can take up to three months. Passports must be valid for a period of at least six months after the planned return date of the student.

Please check with the exchange country embassy if your daughter may require a visa and commence the process if needed. It is recommended that the girls travel together where possible.

As visa requirements change fairly regularly, the exchange student and her parents must ascertain exactly what is required and then obtain the necessary visas. Pymble takes no responsibility for entry requirements into another country.