Year 10 student Sam Allen is currently spending six weeks on a Round Square Exchange at Stanford Lake College, near Haenertsburg in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Now in his fourth week overseas, Sam has already immersed himself in school life, travel, and the rich culture of the region. Here is his reflection so far:
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I am currently lucky enough to be on a Round Square Exchange to Stanford Lake College near Haenertsburg, South Africa. I am in my fourth week of exchange, and I have already seen many parts of South Africa.
My most memorable experience so far has been visiting Cape Town, where we travelled up Table Mountain, drove inland to Stellenbosch and explored the general Cape Town area. I am also really looking forward to visiting the Kruger National Park.
Stanford Lake College is quite different from Scotch Oakburn College, with the school day starting at 7:30 am and finishing between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm in the afternoon. However, students don’t leave school until around 5:00 pm, as sport takes place in the afternoons. Students also have tests most Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Most students, including my exchange partner and I, board during the week as he lives 50 minutes away from the school.
If I could bring one thing back from Stanford Lake College, it would be the school spirit that they have here. If a soccer, rugby or any other sporting event is taking place on one of the ovals at the College, all students go up to support and cheer on the school team.
Something that has surprised me in South Africa is how friendly everyone is here, whether that be in or outside of school. Another thing that surprised me was the number of gated communities in the city, and that almost every house has a high wall topped with electric wires.
Overall, my exchange experience has been unforgettable, and has been a journey of discovery – navigating a different school and boarding, and experiencing a completely different country and culture.
Sam Allen
Year 10
