Dara Alizadeh Enjoys Exchange Program in Australia.

8/21/2009
Dara Alizadeh is nearing the end of a six-week exchange program at Christ Church Grammar School in Perth, Australia. Earlier this year, Dara hosted Nick Harris, a student from Christ Church, and he has now enjoyed spending much of his summer studying with Nick.

“When Mr. Kolovos first mentioned the exchange program, I took immediate interest,” Dara explains. “After talking about it with my parents, I was sure that I wanted to do it. Nick came here first, and his trip was initially scheduled for about five weeks. But he liked it so much, he stayed for another two. “

Dara is taking seven classes, including P.E., French, math, social sciences, English, Art, chemistry, and a course the integrates religion, ethics, and philosophy. “I have fit well into each of the curriculums here, having no difficulty jumping in half way through the year.” He says the class schedule is very different from Belmont Hill in that they don't have every class every day. “Monday through Wednesday we have six classes; Thursday we have chapel—much like Belmont Hill. Friday we have four classes, and we have a Friday activity, which can be Army Cadets, Surf Life Saving, or Environmental and Community. I settled with Environmental and Community, or ENCOM, which is community service and environmental ‘acts,’ such as planting trees and visiting nursing homes.” He is also enjoying playing for the rugby team, saying that his size and speed caught the coach’s eyes.

Dara also reports that his host family has been very warm and welcoming. “I'm having the time of my life, and would absolutely recommend to anyone to do some sort of exchange, because it is a fascinating experience, and really interesting to see a different lifestyle.”

"Short term exchanges like this one are a great 'middle' option for some of our boys, providing more sustained immersion than one typically gets in group travel without the commitment of a full year abroad," say Chris Kolovos, Director of Global Education. "Over the next few years, we will be expanding on this model, connecting to a small network of schools around the world that share our values and commitment to global education."

Please look here for more information on Global Education at Belmont Hill.