SAI International School has been playing a pioneering role in providing its students with opportunities that enhance their prospects of being global citizens. After having successful international student and teacher exchange programs with four schools in the United Kingdom, this year 35 students with four teachers of SAI flew to the USA for a 15 day long sojourn from April 19 to May 3 which resulted in forming strong and life long bonds with two schools in the US.

In the 15 days, the students visited Farmington High School, Connecticut and Highland High School, Kentucky to engage in an amalgamation of thoughts, ideas and practices. A student exchange program promises to have an impact on the lives of the participating students, both in the short-term and for the rest of their lives. This program proved to be an excellent opportunity for students to gain new interests, get an education and gain an appreciation for diversity all at the same time along with contributing immensely to their personalities.

SAI International School Students spent five days with host families at Farmington High School, Farmington Connecticut, USA. During their visit they participated in Earth Day Community Clean Up, attended class, presented a cultural programme and a PPT about their country, state, city and school.

CULTURAL PROGRAMME

Students got a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is the United States government agency responsible for the civilian space program as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. It is the largest and the best in the world and SAIONEERS had a full day tour of the organization. They also had the opportunity of having lunch with a NASA astronaut. Here the students got chance to ask a veteran astronaut about his experiences and what it is like to launch, live and work in space. The astronaut presented a personalized presentation and also answered to all the questions that the students had.

Another highlight of this visit was the ATX, the Astronaut Training Experience that gave a taste of what astronauts go through to become a member of NASA’s elite astronaut corps.  This exciting, fast-paced half-day experience extended to the students a true example of what it’s like to train as a member of NASA’s prestigious astronaut corps. Developed with the guidance of veteran space travelers, this begins with a mission briefing and question-and-answer session with a veteran NASA astronaut – one of the few men and women who have explored beyond our Earth – then continues under the guidance of educators and space flight experts. The students were at the helm when they practice the skills needed to complete their mission learning how to execute a high-earth orbit to rendezvous, dock with and perform critical repair work on the International Space Station then land the space shuttle at Kennedy Space Center.

Another experience that the students will remember for a lifetime was to participate in the Disney Youth Education Series at the Disney World where they indulged in creative thinking and open mindedness to gauge their leadership skills. Apart from this, the students will had a three days out in the biggest amusement park of the world, Disney World and have a good time.

 

Other highlights of this trip included a guided tour of the New York City, visiting the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square, Ground Zero Memorial , Cocoa beach, Cincinnati Zoo.

STATUE OF LIBERTY

TIMES SQUARE….NEW YORK SKYLINE

GROUND ZERO MEMORIAL…NEW YORK CITY 

COCOA BEACH, ORLANDO FLORIDA

CINCINNATI ZOO, CINCINNATI OHIO/NEWPORT AQUARIUM

FUN TIMES AT DISNEY WORLD

MAGIC KINGDOM/ EPCOT / HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

 THIS TRULY WAS A TRIP OF A LIFE TIME.

FROM NEW YORK CITY TO FARMINGTON, CONNECTICUT TO CINCINNATI, OHIO TO ORLANDO, FLORIDA .THIS  ONE OF A KIND EXCURSION  WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY ALL WHO PARTICIPATED. PROUD TO BE A SAIONEER !!!!