Elements of Successful Educational and Cultural

Exchanges

Cecilia M. Nipp Director of Global Relationships and Cultural

ExchangeUrsuline Academy of Dallas

What makes a successful school partnership?

• Begin with adults • Common Values / Goals • Reciprocity• Trust • Time• Hospitality

Just like successful human relationships, school relationships must be cultivated and tended

Key Elements of every Sister-School Exchange

• 2-3 weeks (short)• A formal Welcome • Classes / Student Life• Host families• Teacher Lodging • Teachers participation (classes & lessons) • Historical and cultural excursions• Student Presentation• A shared Service experience• A formal Farewell / School gift exchange• A Leader Meeting

Challenges

• The details, documents & practicalities• Money• Time ----------------------------------------------------- • Conveying who you are and understanding the

other• Managing expectations (students & parents) • Preparing students to be Ambassadors / guests• Managing the unexpected • Faculty / Adult Leaders

Rewards

• Sisterhood / Friendship• Global Perspective• Confidence • Independence• Willingness to take risks / travel later in life• Openness to Service opportunities • Openness Study Abroad, Working abroad, etc. • Language acquisition• Distinction for college• Recruitment / retention

For more information

Email: Cnipp@ursulinedallas.org

Blog: www.uaglobal.blogspot.com