Student Exchange Programmes, Well Received In The Country

Student exchange programmes are gaining immense popularity. In India, a large number of schools and institutions are involved in student exchange programmes. In one such exchange programme, nine students from the neighbouring country Pakistan, reached Mumbai recently. These students were as much excited as their hosts.

The nine students came all the way from Karachi to visit a municipal school in Khar, as part of an exchange programme ‘Khoj’ between India and Pakistan.

The Pakistani students were quoted as having said that Indian students are more ambitious and committed to the education. The students who reached here also said about the similarities between the education systems in the two countries. The students were keen to know about the personal lives, life style and other cultural aspects.

Even cricket was discussed and the fan clubs and sport stars, reported one website.

This student exchange is part of a programme ‘Khoj’, an initiative to spread ‘secular education among school children’. Teesta Setalvad, Director of Khoj says in a report published by expressindia.com: “We had started a pen pals programme between India and Pakistan in 1999. The aim is to encourage exchanges between children of two countries. We were one of the first to start such a project, which included writing letters. This visit is a step further in the project. This is their first visit and it will work best if they are able to keep in touch with each other in future.”

Students also exchanged mail addresses and promised to remain in touch with each other. Students exchange programmes have served amply in cultural diffusion and providing a broader outlook for the students.