The students from Pallavanjali’s Career Training Institute for the Actualisation of Individual potential ( PIAIP ) went to Singapore for 10 days for an exchange program with the Tanglin School. They were attached with the Tanglin School’s usual school curriculum during the day and explored Singapore during the evenings
It was a wonderful experience both in terms of Lerning and Exploring. The interns came back richer in many ways .
The most important take home was that our interns surpassed themselves in social skills. We DID expect them to be comfortable and at ease , owing to the non sheltered approach that we have , but we did not expect them to blend in so beautifully in a culturally different country . I think it will be unfair for us to take all the credit, as the Singapore students were so accommodating and welcoming. We realized that we do have something of a novel program in our Internship module as the non sheltered environment trains the students in social skills that are incomparable. It prepares them for the work environment and teaches them to face the world without any limitations & inhibitions.
This trip has been a life altering exposure for them .They were able to prove to themselves and us , that they are ready for the world ! Their sense of timing, discipline, sense of sheer joy and their willingness to learn all things new surprised us. For some of the students this was the first ever international trip, for some it was the very first time that they were away from their families / home. They learned how to live by themselves, take care of their belongings , travel by public transport and go to a new school and be with unfamiliar peer group as well as face a new schedule everyday. The kind of varied stimuli that they were exposed to has honed them for future life.
To quote some feedback from the parents after we got back
” I can not believe It is my son who has come back . he is so confident . His body language has changed.”
” He is speaking English !! Saying Thank you at the dinner table – looks all grown up.”
” For the first time he is sharing what he experienced . He is asking questions and is wanting to know about things ”
” It is surprising how much he can remember and relate to .”
As teachers, our learning was immense as we got a global exposure to how other schools are functioning . It is heartwarming to know that at the end of the day we all are moving towards the same direction . Being with our students for 11 days has changed our perspective for the better . We now know that there are no limitations to what they are capable of
.Please take a look at the pictures for more details.
Shaloo Sharma
