Exchange programmes broaden horizons
Two learners from Walvis Bay have travelled abroad on student exchange programmes.
28 January 2019 | Education
Kyra Melani, Learner at International School of Walvis Bay: "Always say yes to new adventures and opportunities."
Leandrea Louw - Kyra Melani (18) from Walvis Bay recently returned from France after spending a year abroad through a Rotary youth exchange programme.
She lived with a host family and attended school in France as part of the exchange programme with the main idea to integrate with the French ways of living and education system.
Melani knew about the exchange programme for a few years because students from her school often went on exchanges. She explained that her teacher Ms Coulson and her principal, Ms Meyer, made it possible for her to attend.
“I was approached by some of my teachers to attend this programme because the Rotary in South Africa wanted to sponsor a learner specifically from Namibia, and my school chose me. The teachers who recommended me for the programme also motivated me to see it through. It was truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had.”
She is currently busy with her AS levels at the International School of Walvis Bay (ISWB) and has plans to attend university next year.
“I have not made up my mind yet about what I’ll be studying, but I’m thinking about doing medicine.”
She completed her B2 examination in France which gives her the opportunity to further her studies at any university in the country.
“My time in France was amazing. I truly had the time of my life and know that I’ll be welcome back.”
Melani mastered French within a few months while abroad and offered numerous presentations in French to people from all over the world.
“I was also an ambassador of Namibia and had the opportunity to host presentations about Namibia, teaching people about our country.”
Her school described Melani as a true ambassador for Namibia and ISWB, and that they are extremely proud of her.
She also had the opportunity to travel all over Western Europe.
“I visited so many beautiful cities like London, Barcelona, Venice and Paris, as well as the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, the French Riviera and Milan.”
Her advice to her fellow youth is to say yes to new adventures and opportunities.
“Get out there! Absorb as much as you can about this beautiful life that we are living. Always be kind and helpful. The rewards are extraordinary.”
Gloria Shivute, a year-10 student at ISWB, also had the opportunity to visit Germany during November and December as an exchange student. There she broadened her horizons by doing something different each day such as skiing, visiting Christmas markets and also visiting Austria for a week.
“I made a lot of new friends, learned more about the different cultures and improved my German. It was an amazing experience”.
She lived with a host family and attended school in France as part of the exchange programme with the main idea to integrate with the French ways of living and education system.
Melani knew about the exchange programme for a few years because students from her school often went on exchanges. She explained that her teacher Ms Coulson and her principal, Ms Meyer, made it possible for her to attend.
“I was approached by some of my teachers to attend this programme because the Rotary in South Africa wanted to sponsor a learner specifically from Namibia, and my school chose me. The teachers who recommended me for the programme also motivated me to see it through. It was truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had.”
She is currently busy with her AS levels at the International School of Walvis Bay (ISWB) and has plans to attend university next year.
“I have not made up my mind yet about what I’ll be studying, but I’m thinking about doing medicine.”
She completed her B2 examination in France which gives her the opportunity to further her studies at any university in the country.
“My time in France was amazing. I truly had the time of my life and know that I’ll be welcome back.”
Melani mastered French within a few months while abroad and offered numerous presentations in French to people from all over the world.
“I was also an ambassador of Namibia and had the opportunity to host presentations about Namibia, teaching people about our country.”
Her school described Melani as a true ambassador for Namibia and ISWB, and that they are extremely proud of her.
She also had the opportunity to travel all over Western Europe.
“I visited so many beautiful cities like London, Barcelona, Venice and Paris, as well as the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, the French Riviera and Milan.”
Her advice to her fellow youth is to say yes to new adventures and opportunities.
“Get out there! Absorb as much as you can about this beautiful life that we are living. Always be kind and helpful. The rewards are extraordinary.”
Gloria Shivute, a year-10 student at ISWB, also had the opportunity to visit Germany during November and December as an exchange student. There she broadened her horizons by doing something different each day such as skiing, visiting Christmas markets and also visiting Austria for a week.
“I made a lot of new friends, learned more about the different cultures and improved my German. It was an amazing experience”.
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