In early December, 2023, we were thrilled to learn that we were among six students selected for our school's inaugural Global Alliance exchange program. This programme took us to Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, USA, for 3 weeks. The anticipation and excitement of travelling alone to a new country for the first time were immense, and we embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly.
Our adventure began on March 2, 2024, as we departed from Windhoek to Tacoma. The journey started smoothly, but complications with our ticket details in Doha led to a stressful five-hour wait in an uncomfortable area of the airport. With the support of our parents, we managed to change our airline to Emirates, rerouting through Dubai. Despite concerns about our luggage, we proceeded with the journey.
Upon arriving in Dubai, we briefly rested before boarding our final flight to Seattle Tacoma International Airport. The flight over diverse landscapes, including snowy mountains and the Arctic, was fascinating. However, upon arrival, we faced another challenge: our luggage was missing. Emirates assured us they would locate it, and we finally met our host families.
Our first day at Annie Wright Schools was welcoming and warm. Despite the initial stress, the school's staff and students quickly made us feel at home. We participated in various activities, from Model UN meetings to hiking in the vast Washington forests at Camp Cispus on the annual 9th grade retreat, and shared our Namibian culture with our peers. The school's schedule, starting at 9 am and ending by 2:45 pm, with a unique Chapel assembly on Mondays, was a pleasant change.
Our host families introduced us to numerous attractions in Washington State, including the Space Needle, Snoqualmie Snow Resort, and the Museum of Pop Culture. These experiences broadened our horizons and deepened our appreciation for American culture.
Furthermore we had the opportunity to try out various foods from various cultures including Vietnamese, American, Korean,Chinese and Japanese food.
Overall, our participation in the Global Alliance exchange programme was a transformative experience, filled with learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth, and we’d look at recommending this to students who seek to go on an adventure and experience something completely radically different from what we have here in Namibia. We would also like to thank our host families, Mr. Rob Scotlan of Annie Wright, Ms.Swapna and the committees and other individuals from both schools that put in the work to try and make this program happen.
Roelf and Darius were outstanding ambassadors representing WIS and a true pleasure to have them both on campus and at home! We look forward to welcoming more WIS students through the IB Alliance partnership!
Well done in representing WIS so well, Roelf and Darius. And thank you to everyone at Annie Wright Schools for the hospitality and partnership!