School-to-School Exchanges 2023

Crofton House Exchange

Any words of praise for the experience that a school exchange brings is an understatement. This is, and will probably continue to be, the highlight of my time at Waikato Dio. Three weeks ago, we landed in Vancouver, Canada, to attend Crofton House School. From the get-go, my host family was so welcoming and kind; they’ve made me feel so cared for in my home away from home.

Since then, I’ve explored parts of Vancouver, including the amazing shopping Downtown, various food locations, and a professional ice hockey game - which I have to add is so much fun.

We’ve also visited cities outside Vancouver to witness British Columbia’s astonishing scenery. A drive up to Whistler on the weekends and a ferry ride to Victoria will be a massive highlight of my trip.

Although different in many ways, Crofton House School has been the most incredible place. The experiences they’ve provided, the people I’ve met, and the friends I’ve made have made my exchange worthwhile in the best possible way.

To anyone considering applying for an exchange, I encourage you not to hesitate, not to think of what you may lose, but to have an open mindset and a soul that seeks adventure.

Ella Pritchard

We are now nearly four weeks into our school exchange at Crofton House School in Vancouver, Canada, and it would be an understatement to state that my school life at Crofton House School is contrasting with my school life at Dio. With full-sized lockers plastered down all the hallways, morning announcements played through the speakers, yellow school buses filling up the roads, and a massive self-serve cafeteria, I feel immersed in the Canadian schooling culture.

 During my time here, I’ve also been lucky enough to attend the annual grade 10 camp on Gambier Island. I participated in kayaking, knots and tarps, and cooking over an open fire. I can’t wait to see what the next four weeks I have here will bring me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity.

Isabella Khatoev

Baylor School Exchange

I have been in the USA at Baylor for one month and have had some amazing experiences so far! My first week here was Spirit Week, which is a week where everyone dresses up in themed costumes each day and which culminates in a huge American football game against Baylor's rival school. I also got the fantastic opportunity to go to New York over fall break with my host family, which was incredible. 

A couple of weeks ago, we had the Homecoming Dance (Similar to a social), where we all dressed up and made bouquets. In the coming month, I will go to the last Baylor football game of the season, dress up for Halloween and experience my first-ever Thanksgiving. I am so happy to be here, and there truly is no other experience like this.

 Elizabeth Macdonald