International School of Portland Welcomes Mexican Exchange Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PORTLAND WELCOMES MEXICAN EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Students from Harmony School in Saltillo, Coahuila, visit International School of Portland for a weeklong school and homestay experience; marks first exchange experience from Mexico
Portland, Oregon – April 8, 2024: In an exciting cultural exchange initiative, fifth-grade students from Harmony School in Saltillo, Mexico, are visiting the International School of Portland in Oregon from April 8 to April 12th. This visit marks a significant milestone as it is the first time students from Mexico are experiencing life and education at the International School of Portland.
The weeklong visit involves Harmony School students staying with the families of their counterparts at the International School of Portland and attending classes alongside them. This reciprocal exchange follows the International School of Portland students’ recent trip to Harmony School in March as part of their Capstone Study Abroad program, where they stayed with Harmony school families for a week.
Both Harmony School and the International School of Portland are proud to be International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, emphasizing global citizenship and intercultural understanding. This exchange aligns with the IB mission of developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Bodo Heiliger, Head of School at the International School of Portland, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the Harmony School students to our campus and community. This exchange provides a unique opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of global perspectives and foster lifelong connections across borders. By engaging in cultural exchange at a young age, we are nurturing the next generation of global citizens who are empathetic, open-minded, and culturally competent.”
The visit is not only an educational opportunity but also a chance for both sets of students to form friendships, learn from one another, and celebrate the rich diversity of their respective cultures. Through activities, classroom interactions, and shared experiences, the students will gain insights into different languages, traditions, and ways of life, fostering mutual respect and appreciation.
International School of Portland looks forward to fostering ongoing relationships with Harmony School and continuing to promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among students worldwide.
For more information about the International School of Portland and its cultural exchange programs, visit intlschool.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Katharine Applegarth
International School of Portland
503.226.2496 x109
About International School of Portland:
Since 1990, International School of Portland has offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. One of only two schools in the United States to provide three full language immersion programs under one roof, the International School of Portland is also home to the longest-running Chinese immersion program in the Pacific Northwest. It is also the only program in the country to offer full Japanese language immersion. It was the first school in the Pacific Northwest to adopt the renowned International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
International School of Portland’s world-renowned professional faculty and staff—hailing from more than 17 countries—lovingly engage the school’s nearly 400 students in academics, PE and the arts. With its multilingual and cultural environment, International School of Portland’s campus is a global microcosm, helping shape children who are open-minded, confident, empathetic and inclusive—traits that encourage them to take responsible action within and beyond our school community. intlschool.org
About Harmony School:
Located in Saltillo, Coahuila, Harmony School is the only International Baccalaureate World School in the state. It is committed to providing a holistic education that fosters academic excellence, character development, and global awareness. The school prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world and contribute positively to society. Through innovative teaching methods and a supportive environment, Harmony School empowers students to reach their full potential and become responsible global citizens.