At St. Paul’s School, students can apply to participate in the Global Exchange Programme, developed in partnership with two prestigious British schools: Downe House and Radley College.
This initiative offers our students a unique opportunity to engage in a cultural and educational exchange, broadening their horizons.
In October, pupils from Downe House and Radley College spent time here in São Paulo during their half-term break. Our St. Paul’s pupils were selected to host their peers from the UK, helping them adapt to the school environment and introducing them to the city.
Now in January, it was the turn of two of our students, including our scholar Vitor, to travel to the UK, where they spent two weeks at Radley College, experiencing British academic and cultural life.
For Vitor, the experience was more than just a trip; it was an immersion into a completely new world. From the moment he arrived, he was welcomed by his host, Seb, and had the opportunity to experience British school life up close.
Beyond the academic environment, Vitor explored several historic cities and iconic landmarks, absorbing not only British culture but also the global history reflected in every place he visited.
Reflecting on his experience, Vitor shared: “I had the chance to visit Radley, Oxford, Salisbury, Wells, and London, and exploring these places and their cultures was enriching. The architecture of these cities is fascinating. The tourist attractions were an immersive experience too; I visited the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Stonehenge, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and several cathedrals in each city. At the Stonehenge and Tower of London museums, I was able to learn more about the history not only of the UK but of the world.”
Tomás, another St. Paul’s student who had the opportunity to go to Radley, shared: “From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in an environment rich in tradition and excellence. My favorite extracurricular activities were the hours I spent on the football field and the evenings when we gathered to have hot chocolate and talk about our day. Overall, my time at Radley College taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to learning, and I strongly believe that the friendships I formed there will last for a long time.”
This exchange programme is a fantastic international opportunity that our students can take advantage of. It not only provides a platform for cultural exchange but also allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the world—a quality we deeply value at the St. Paul’s Foundation.