India – Russia (21stApril- 6ThMay 2018)
ByVenkata Suresh Lolla, Principal, Global City International School , Bangalore
“There’s a big difference between learning and living, and experiencing the culture. The best way to embrace the world is to get out there, be open-minded and try new things.”
Students and teachers from Global City International School Bangalore had a great opportunity to explore and experience the culture of the world’s largest country, Russia under AFS International Class Exchange Program.Living with the host families made it all the more relevant as the learners were able to not just learn from them, but also experience the daily life style of Russians. The host families were very loving and caring.
The team got to experience the best of Moscow and Kirov through walking tours around the city and exploring the eye catching scenic views.The unusual weather condition with heavy snow made most of us experience snow for the first time. The host families made all efforts to make us comfortable and adjust to the weather by providing us some of the essential clothing and food to withstand those conditions.
The team got a warm welcome and a birds eye view of Russian education system at Gymnasia 46. The host students got an opportunity to attend and participate in various lessons pertaining to language, science, math, art, music and physical education. Even though there were many differences in general functioning of schools in India and Russia our team considered Gymnasia 46 as a second home. It is a 70 year old school which has strong culture and school values.
Some unique memories from Kirov are walking on the banks of Vyatka river, Ice skating, Dymkova toy museum, Ice cream museum, Space center, Puppet show, Matrushka doll museum, Dance theatre and the list seems like never ending. The trip ended with exploring Moscow on the Hop on- hop off bus and boat.
We are now eagerly waiting to welcome our counterparts from Gymnasia 46 to visit GCIS in the month June.
Global City International School sincerely thanks AFS India and AFS Russia for building bridges between countries especially between schools to make our first class exchange happen. Thanks to Gymnasia 46 led by Intercultural coordinator Ms.Elena Averina for their great efforts to make this program a big success.