Welham Girls' School

“Stepping off the plane at Boston Airport, the air around us was filled with anticipation and exhilaration. Unlike a regular trip, an exchange program offers a chance to interact with students and teachers from diverse backgrounds. We went on our exchange to the Groton School, Massachusetts, for a period of three weeks.
On our first evening we attended the Groton stock which was an open mic night, followed by a bonfire, where we had the opportunity to make some new friends. We were warmly welcomed in our respective dorms at night during ‘check in’ where the whole dorm gathers in the common room and talk about their day, as well as gets a chance to indulge in a “feed.” A feed is a Groton tradition where the faculty on duty shares food that they have prepared, ranging from popsicles to cakes and pizza. 
During our classes we analysed The Great Gatsby, studied dark matter and the expansion of the universe, participated in titration experiments, learnt precalculus and made a self-portrait on a map of places which meant most to us. In the evenings we learnt lacrosse and witnessed various interschool matches.
In addition to our academic and athletic pursuits, our time during the exchange program was filled with a myriad of engaging activities. From participating in inter-house relay races and serving meals at shelters to celebrating vibrant festivals like Holi and attending the Spring Formal dance, our days were brimming with excitement and shared experiences. We also had the privilege of immersing ourselves in various cultural and intellectual events, including mock trials, musical recitals, student-directed plays and art exhibitions. Furthermore, we were fortunate enough to embark on a memorable trip to Boston, where we had the opportunity to visit the prestigious Harvard University.
Our exchange experience has been a remarkable journey of growth and resilience. Looking back on our time there, we can say that we made friends and connections that we will hold on to for a lifetime. While initially intimidating, being introduced to a completely different lifestyle has been a transformative experience. It has opened our eyes to new perspectives, expanded our understanding of diverse cultures, and challenged our preconceived notions. Through this journey, we developed resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for global diversity. This opportunity by Welham, has truly changed us, fostering personal growth and instilling a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness that will continue to shape our future endeavours.”