International Student Exchange Program and BH Asia Study Abroad

Branksome Hall’s International Student Exchange Program allows students in Grades 8–10 to experience school and daily life in another country for a period of two to five weeks. Branksome currently has 4 exchange partnerships with schools in Australia, England, Spain and South Africa.

Participation in the Student Exchange Program provides students with an enriching and immersive experience in another culture and a unique opportunity to attend school in other parts of the globe. Exchanges broaden students’ perspectives and help them grow as individuals, become active members of new communities, make new friends, and develop global understanding and awareness. Student Exchange offers an opportunity to achieve the Boarding Project component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. This may be undertaken at any time after registering for the Award, regardless of age or award level.

Each participating Branksome student is carefully matched with a buddy from the exchange partner school abroad. Branksome students complete an application form in September and typically visit other countries during the following March Break or summer vacation. Due to hemisphere differences, student exchanges with Australia usually take place during the winter months here and there. Some financial assistance is available.

Grade 9 BH Asia Study Abroad Program

In March 2013, we launched our Grade 9 Branksome Hall Asia Study Abroad Program, with our sister school located on Jeju Island, South Korea. Grade 9 students travel to Branksome Hall Asia for two weeks in February and March and, in turn, students from Branksome Hall Asia visit Toronto. Together, students engage in two interdisciplinary units of study, tied to their courses in English, History, Science and Mathematics.