The Christian Partner Exchange program at KIS seeks to establish worldwide links with schools, individuals and other potential partner organizations to facilitate cross cultural learning experiences. The program is consciously linked with the Christian identity of Kodaikanal International School as outlined in Design ‘94 and therefore encourages students not only to develop academically and socially but also spiritually. Through this program, KIS gives students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture for up to one semester – studying, living and learning in a new and different environment from what they have experienced before. At present, KIS participates in exchange programs in 3 different countries.

In Germany, students have the opportunity to study for one semester at Andreum Gymnasium in Hildescheim. This school has a strong English program yet the medium of instruction for most classes is German, giving students the prospect of becoming fluent in German in one semester. Students are hosted by exchange partner families (the German ‘partner’ comes and studies in Kodai and stays in the dorm while they are here) and learn what daily life is like for these families.

The Australian exchange is hosted by Carey Baptist Grammar school in Melbourne. The school has initiated a full scholarship exchange where all costs, including airfares, are covered by this institution. During this exchange, students are required to choose some IB courses in preparation for entering the 11th grade upon returning to KIS. For this exchange, a stringent interview process is adhered to as we seek to select students who will not only benefit greatly from this generous opportunity, yet who will also represent our school well.

The third opportunity KIS currently makes use of is a summer exchange with two schools in the Netherlands. For four weeks, a group of students experience the cultural differences that abound between the Netherlands and India as they participate in family life and attend a Dutch school.

Participating in an exchange is something that a student will never forget. Overall, these experiences stretch the hearts and minds of Kodi students, as they become more aware of their responsibility to the local community and to the world.

We are currently seeking to expand our program so if you or your school is interested in enquiring about any of the programs mentioned above, or developing an exchange partnership with KIS, please contact exchanges@kis.in.