From Windhoek to Colombia: Alicia's Transformative Round Square Exchange

St George's student Alicia Hanhapo (Gr 10) recently embarked on an unforgettable Round Square exchange to Colombia, an experience that broadened her horizons, challenged her comfort zone, and deepened her understanding of different cultures and environmental responsibility.

Finding Her Voice

One of the most significant personal lessons Alicia took away from her exchange was learning to be more outgoing.

"This experience taught me to be more outgoing. Most people I met were so lively and loud, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me louder than before," she shares.

Living and learning alongside students from another culture encouraged Alicia to embrace new social situations and build confidence in connecting with others.

Discovering the Heart of Colombia

Travelling throughout Colombia became one of the highlights of Alicia's exchange experience.

"Travelling around Colombia was the most memorable part of the exchange. It showed me how friendly and welcoming Colombians are, and I got to experience their beautiful culture and ways of living in each city and town."

From vibrant cities to charming towns, Alicia experienced breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and rich cultural traditions. Every destination offered a unique opportunity to learn more about Colombian life and customs.

A Culture of Community

One aspect of Colombian culture that left a lasting impression on Alicia was the strong sense of community she observed.

"I noticed how close people are and how they work together. I especially loved seeing the different traditional dances and learning about their culture more."

Through cultural activities, local traditions, and daily interactions, she gained a deeper appreciation for the values that bind communities.

Learning Through Challenges

Like many international exchange students, Alicia faced some challenges along the way. The language barrier proved to be her biggest obstacle.

"Even though most people I interacted with spoke English, Spanish was used most of the time, which sometimes made it difficult to keep up with conversations in bigger groups."

Whether navigating restaurant menus or handling practical tasks such as banking, Alicia learned to adapt and find creative ways to communicate, thereby building resilience and independence.

Developing Environmental Awareness

Alicia's exchange also strengthened her commitment to environmental responsibility.

"This experience showed me to care more about the environment. Many schools in Colombia focus strongly on recycling, and I learned new things that I didn't know before."

One environmental initiative stood out in particular.

"The Día sin Carro (No Car Day) was the environmental activity I enjoyed the most. On this day, people do not use private cars, which helps reduce pollution and traffic."

Seeing entire communities embrace walking, cycling, and public transport highlighted the impact of everyday choices on the environment and inspired Alicia to think differently about sustainability.

A Message to Future Round Square Participants

For students considering a Round Square exchange, Alicia has simple but powerful advice:

"It's better to start now than never. Round Square gives you opportunities to try things you never thought you would enjoy, and it also allows you to meet people from many different places in the world."

Her experience is a testament to the life-changing opportunities that Round Square offers, encouraging students to step beyond their familiar surroundings, develop global understanding, and discover new perspectives.