A student exchange programme is a programme in which students from an
educational institution travel to a foreign nation. Mostly the student who travels abroad in this programme also studies at a foreign university or school. These cultural exchange programmes have gained worldwide popularity, and
educational institutions in India are also adopting this positive trend. Reputed Indian educational
institutions like Sharda University have set up
student cultural exchange programmes by framing alliances with educational institutions in different
nations to allow their students to travel abroad. This has encouraged
the students of the university to develop tolerance and understanding of other
cultures.
Cultural Exchange Programme Benefits
Here are five reasons why a Cultural Exchange
programme is a welcome step:
1. Study abroad at a fraction of the cost: The low cost of student exchange programmes is maybe the most appealing component. Studying abroad normally costs a lot and many students cannot afford it. However, students can get the experience of studying and living in a foreign country at a fraction of that cost when they travel abroad on a cultural exchange programme. This is because most of the cost is born by the universities and the government.
2. Get exposure to
alternative ways of learning: Every country has a specific manner of
teaching. When a student from a specific nation travels abroad, they are
presented alternative approaches to learning which they retain even
after returning to their native land. Hence, the students gain exposure
and upgrade their knowledge and also influence their fellow students.
3. Gateway to personal
development: In the foreign
land, students are exposed to living on their own, far from home and away from
the protective periphery of
their parents. The experience will lead
to increased self-confidence and self-esteem. It will likewise improve the students’ leadership and
reasoning abilities and advance their
comprehension and understanding of diverse
societies and points of view. Staying abroad, regardless
of whether it is only for a semester or two, will give the students a world
view.
4. Prepare for the
global economy: Every field prefers experts who understand the global economy and can adjust in it. Since most college students who travel abroad on cultural exchange programmes are on the verge of
entering the job market, the experience of studying/living abroad inculcates
the relevant skills in them. They gain a better understanding of
the universal market and are better prepared to solve challenges at their
workplace.
5. Form life-long bonds: A lot of student cultural exchange programmes expect students to stay with a local family in the host nation. This enables students to understand and welcome the way of life and lifestyle of the host nation, transforming them into global citizens. This experience proves to be useful if they ever choose to work or settle abroad. Besides, receiving warmth and hospitality in a foreign land enables students to form long-lasting bonds.
Cultural Exchange Programmes
These
kinds of programmes promote diversity and inculcate new
perspectives. They are beneficial in the following ways:
- They serve as an asset in social
studies and foreign language classes. - They include cultural exercises
which besides classroom education. - They discuss perspectives on
universal issues that impact students overseas. - They celebrate/lead International
Days and exchange fairs. - They encourage students to tutor or
help classmates with foreign languages.
Diversity Programmes for College Students
Diversity programmes for college students promote inter-cultural understanding and positive relationships which are required for student achievement and creating an inclusive campus community. These projects encourage students to be compassionate and people and cultures that belong to different races, ethnicities, sexual orientation, gender characters, and articulations, financial classes, religious and spiritual traditions, ages and capacities. The atmosphere cultivates student leadership and individual commitment by encouraging students to offer help and increasing campus awareness. This is done by making spaces for cultural festivals, promoting leadership and giving opportunities for training and reflection.
Some components of
diversity programmes are:
- advise and support to
the students - intercultural centre
library - mentorship and
leadership program - networking openings
The
project prompts and encourages diversity-focused student organisations and
teams up with academic and other departments.
