During the school holidays, IGS students participated in the European Exchange Program, spending six weeks immersed in school and family life across France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Now back in Sydney, students returned with strengthened language skills, greater independence and a deeper understanding of daily life in other cultures.
Throughout the exchange period, students attended regular classes alongside their host peers, followed local timetables and participated fully in school routines. Beyond the classroom, they experienced everyday family life, cultural excursions and seasonal traditions, gaining insights that simply cannot be replicated at home.
Regine Berghofer Director of Languages visited each of IGS’s European partner schools during the exchange period, meeting with school leaders and coordinators and spending time with IGS students to hear firsthand about their experiences.
France
In France, students attending Lycée Aristide Briand in Évreux and Lycée Jean Monnet in Montpellier embraced the challenge of long school days and academically rigorous programs. By following their host students’ timetables, they quickly adapted to the expectations of French secondary schooling.
At Lycée Aristide Briand, IGS students Stella and Millie made rapid progress in French, with one group rising confidently to the challenge of delivering an Economics presentation entirely in French just weeks into the exchange. In Montpellier, students Luc, Alice and Milena immersed themselves in a school renowned for its arts program, including rare disciplines such as circus arts. Excursions to museums, aquariums and exhibitions, alongside active participation in creative subjects, helped students build confidence both linguistically and socially.
Across both schools, students spoke positively about their growing independence and the satisfaction of navigating daily life in another language, from classrooms to conversations at home with host families.
Germany
At Rudolph Brandes Gymnasium in Bad Salzuflen, IGS students Alex, Sam and Sam integrated smoothly into classes and quickly became valued contributors, particularly in English lessons. Teachers noted their willingness to share Australian perspectives, including thoughtful discussions on contemporary issues such as youth and social media.
While adjusting to early school starts and short winter days proved challenging at first, students embraced the experience and enjoyed exploring the surrounding region. For many, this exchange also coincided with their first Christmas away from home, spent travelling, skiing and connecting with extended host families – an experience that fostered resilience and maturity.
Italy
In Rovereto, students attending Liceo Antonio Rosmini benefited from a highly personalised exchange experience. Alongside regular school attendance, they received tailored Italian language support and took part in special excursions organised by the school.
Students reflected warmly on the opportunity to practise Italian in authentic settings and to experience life in a historic alpine town. Highlights included time spent exploring local museums, sharing hot chocolate with Regine in the town centre, and, for some, skiing in the nearby mountains. These moments of connection reinforced both language learning and cultural understanding.
Spain
In Madrid, IGS students participated in exchanges with Colegio San Pablo CEU Montepríncipe and senior exchange partner Colegio Estudio, both schools sharing strong educational values aligned with those of IGS.
Students attending Colegio San Pablo experienced a vibrant bilingual environment. Meanwhile, at Colegio Estudio, student Nyla, studying Spanish Beginner at IGS, demonstrated remarkable progress through full immersion, earning praise from staff for her resilience, engagement and growing confidence.
Students were also exposed to unique school traditions, including whole-school performances and a strong emphasis on physical education, creativity and ethical responsibility – experiences that left a lasting impression.
Across all four countries, the European Exchange Program offered students far more than language practice. Living and learning overseas encouraged adaptability, independence and empathy, while deepening students’ appreciation of cultural differences and shared values.
Students returned to Sydney in January bringing back new perspectives, stronger language skills and memories that will continue to shape their learning journeys. The European Exchange remains a powerful example of IGS’s commitment to immersive, globally focused education. One that prepares students not only to communicate across languages, but to engage confidently with the world.
