Every school has different aims and aspirations for a partnership. So how should they choose what destination to partner with?
We have selected our top 5 destinations that have the most impact on students and staff.
1. Mexico 🇲🇽
Mexico has the world’s largest Spanish-speaking population, making it a popular choice for schools that have Spanish on the curriculum and want to give their students the opportunity to learn about an exciting culture.
With its Native American heritage, Mexico is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Latin America with a rich heritage, beauty and unique traditions. Today, many Mexicans are mestizos, which means they have a mix of Native American and Spanish blood.
Around the world, Mexico is well known for its celebration of the Day of the Dead (DÃa de los Muertos) on November 1, which is also known as All Saints’ Day; a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s. Halloween (October 31) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) are also locally important. During that period and in the preceding weeks, families celebrate the spirits of departed loved ones in various ways, including erecting ofrendas (small altars) in their houses, decorating tombs, and eating skull-shaped candies and sweet breads.
The country’s centre has high mountains, deep canyons and deserts in the north, and dense rainforests in the south and east. Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world, making up more than half its population.
Mexico also houses 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites meaning there is so much to explore!
2. China 🇨🇳
China is a country with an exceptionally rich culture that dates back thousands of years. From a global perspective, people have come to appreciate and endear China as a country known for its timeless traditions.
With a population of 1.4 billion, China has more people than any other country on Earth and about a third of the population lives in cities whilst the rest of the people live in urban areas.
It boasts a unique blend of modernism and tradition; a place where exquisite ancient architecture can be explored a stone’s throw away from a megacity of incomprehensible scale. A truly remarkable location for a student exchange trip, unlike anywhere else in the world!
Mandarin is the second most spoken language in the world, alongside English and Spanish. However, it’s the most spoken language in the world if you count only first-language (native) speakers due to China’s significant population. Today, more schools are offering Mandarin alongside other languages on the school curriculum.
China has the largest education system in the world. The almost 260 million students studying in China are well known for their work ethic, desire to succeed and respect towards their teachers.
3. Morocco 🇲🇦
Morocco is a coastal country in North Africa with a traditional culture with strong values and religious and ethnic traditions.
The majority of the population are Berbers and Arabs while at least 30% of the population are Amazigh speakers. Despite Arabic and Berber being the two official languages, French is also widely spoken except in the northern region where Spanish is predominant.
Morocco is a Muslim country and Islam is the main religion. There are many mosques in Morocco that are spectacular, beautiful buildings that people can attend to pray.
Children are required to be in school from ages 7-15, but many children work with their parents and are not able to attend school. Many girls don’t ever receive an education. Although rates of school attendance have grown strongly in the last 20 years, only 39 per cent of girls in rural Morocco are enrolled in secondary school.
4. Tunisia 🇹🇳
Tunisia is the smallest country in North Africa with a population of 12.26 million.
Most of Tunisia’s people have a mixture of Arab and Berber roots however, most Tunisians call themselves Arabs.
The main language is Arabic, but many people also speak French.
Religion is very important in Tunisian society and its people are tolerant of other religions. Today nearly 99 per cent of Tunisians are Muslim and Tunisia has remained a center of Arab culture.
Tunisia is the perfect place to bring a slice of Roman history to life. Incredibly intact ruins of affluent ancient cities are dotted across Tunisia’s entire landscape, so numerous that many of the sites remain unexcavated and unknown.
Tunisia spends a lot of money on education and has focused on developing the education system since gaining independence from France in 1956. Tunisians on average enjoy 15 years of education including school, college and university. While Arabic is the main language of instruction, both French and English are taught at school.
5. Hong Kong ðŸ‡ðŸ‡°
Hong Kong is a region on the southeastern coast and is home to more skyscrapers than anywhere in the world. It has a population of 7.4 million and is one of the most densely populated countries in the world; it has an overall density of 6,300 people per square kilometre.
The country’s culture is primarily a mix of Chinese and Western influences. The people celebrate holidays of both the East and the West, such as the Lunar (Chinese) New Year and Christmas.
Most people from Hong Kong mainly speak Cantonese but learn English as an additional language. Ever since Hong Kong became a part of China, the number of people who speak Mandarin has increased to 49 per cent.
Education in Hong Kong is free, and school is compulsory from between ages 6 to 15 (primary and junior secondary schools). The Hong Kong education system is known for its rigorous testing. Its students have consistently ranked at the top of international education rankings.
Ready to establish a global partnership for your school?
Get in touch to request a partner school in any of these regions. If you’re looking for something different, we also have growing links in over 120 countries worldwide and we guarantee that we can find a partner school that meets your learning priorities.
