By Mrs Annette Carter, College Historian

Radford College has a long-standing tradition of fostering global connections through its exchange programs and study tours. When Radford initially opened, students could apply through external international exchange organisations such as the LABO Foundation, Lions and Rotary, with Radford providing references for those students. The College hosted Japanese exchange students as early as 1986, marking the beginning of a rich history of cultural exchange.

By 1990, the program had expanded significantly, with 27 students embarking on exchanges to Japan, Chile, the USA, and the UK. A particularly popular choice was a program that placed students into English boarding houses as tutors. In that same year, a student from West Germany was on exchange at Radford College when the reunification happened and so he returned to the sovereign state of Germany.

In the 1990s, recognising the growing importance of international exchanges, Radford College established the International Exchange program to manage and organise exchanges within the school. The program expanded its reach to countries like New Zealand, Japan, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Canada, providing students with diverse cultural experiences. A comprehensive review of this program was undertaken in 2005 and the college renewed existing partnerships with Collingwood High School in Vancouver (Canada), Lethbridge Senior High School in Lethbridge (Canada), Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley (USA), Gymnasium Oberalster in Hamburg (Germany), and Kunori Gakuen in Yonezawa (Japan).

One student reflected in 2003, “I came back so much more independent and open minded about other people and cultures.” This sentiment demonstrates the program’s core objective of fostering personal growth, intercultural understanding, and global perspective.

In 2011, Radford College further broadened its reach by adding Lycée Notre-Dame school in Le Mans for study tours. Students visiting here were initially taken aback by the length of the school days from 8:15am to 5:30 pm.

Radford College is also an active member of the Round Square organisation, offering additional opportunities for students to engage in national and international exchanges.

Radford College’s commitment to international exchanges has left an indelible mark on the school’s culture and the lives of countless students. The program’s evolution over the years, reflects the College’s dedication to providing students with transformative experiences.