The International School to School Experience (ISSE) Program is a unique international program for primary schools that provides for an exchange of thoughts and ideas through face to face contact with children from other countries around the world. It is non-profit, non-political, and non-religious in nature. The program gives all primary school children the opportunity to experience and understand other cultures on a first-hand basis. It is an innovative approach for primary schools that realise the importance of international experience in modern primary education.

The objective of the ISSE Program is to allow primary school students to interact with and learn from other children of the world, thereby fostering peace and understanding on a global basis.

Primary schools are selected because the eleven or twelve year old is mature enough to benefit from international experience, yet young enough to be relatively free from prejudice. The full power of the eleven-year-old 'ambassador' should not be under estimated. Children of this age are not trying to 'find themselves'. They know who they are and can be good representatives of their country. These children are young enough to need adults, but old enough to build their own relationships. There is no generation gap as children of this age are friendly with both children and adults.

Children of all backgrounds participate in the ISSE Program.

A partnership between a primary school in one country is formed with a primary school in another country. A small team of eleven or twelve year old children and at least one adult (chaperone) from another country visits a school for approximately a month. Each delegate child lives with a host child of similar age and gender and their family and goes to school with their host

Another family also hosts the adult chaperone. At a mutually agreeable time the school sends a similar team to the school from which the visitors came to live under the same arrangements. The visiting delegation shares their culture with each grade level.

The selection of children to travel should based upon factors other than their ability to pay travel expenses, such as:

• Interest in learning about new cultures and becoming friends with children of other cultures.
• Willingness to communicate their experience with their school when they return.
• Sufficient independence and emotional maturity.
• Recommended age of eleven at departure time

All day to day living expenses of the visiting children are paid by the hosting families. Generally entry costs and the school community pays travel costs on field trips/excursions.

Parents of the visiting children pay international travel expenses, passports, clothing, and spending money.

Since its beginning in 1971 ISSE has grown to include a large number of participating countries which currently include Australia, Bermuda, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, India, Japan, Jamaica, Mexico, USA and Ecuador.

ISSE International is looking for schools in other countries to become a member of ISSE International. (Expansion) ISSE Australia seeks interested schools in Asia to become future members of ISSE.

Delegates and host families are carefully scrutinised to ensure a smooth exchange occurs and that the safety of all participants remains the highest priority.

Strict guidelines and formalities have been developed over the years by the ISSE organisation that ensures student safety and welfare. As schools have become more experienced with hosting various delegations from overseas, their ability to cater for a range of cultural and religious requests has improved.

Whilst visiting a partner school, delegates provide activities for all classes designed to promote improved understanding between nations. Delegates visit all classes and enjoy playground activities with students at the host school. The host school organises 'field trips/excursions' and delegate children can experience elements of a host nation's lifestyle. Whilst visiting Australia, delegates may visit Sovereign Hill Ballarat, Puffing Billy, Penguins at Phillip Island, Healesville Sanctuary etc.

Visiting delegations perform a "Cultural Show" for all host school students (between 30 to 60 minutes) which depicts the culture of their home country. The show may include songs, dances, demonstrations and other entertaining activities.

Host schools frequently arrange official welcomes, whole school assemblies, farewells etc. Gifts between schools, school dignitaries and host families also occur. Schools prefer the major focus to be on hosting delegates from overseas as the hosting experience benefits all children at the host school.

How can ISSE Benefit You?

• Educational enrichment
• Teacher Involvement
• Sharing experiences
• Cultural exchange
• Family enrichment
• Lifelong memories
• Lasting friendships

Lillian Coon is the International Administrative Secretary of ISSE and can be contacted as follows:
3249 Cemetery Rd, St Paris,
Ohio 43072 USA
FAX: 937 362 3322
PH: 937 362 9233
E-mail: isseadmn@main-net.com

Each ISSE member country has formed its own local organisation that monitors the implementation of the ISSE program in its own country.

There is an Annual Conference and each ISSE country is invited to send a delegate. The Annual Conference makes recommendations to member countries on how the ISSE program should be conducted and negotiations between countries occur for future partnerships. ISSE hosting and delegate guidelines are frequently finetuned and developed at the Annual Conference as are expansion developments.

There is an Annual Fee of US$150 payable to ISSE International as annual ISSE Membership.

ISSE International endorses all partnerships. "Private" exchanges are not encouraged, however 'trial' exchanges from prospective ISSE schools are generally sanctioned by ISSE International. These 'trial' exchanges are crucial to ensure there is a 'whole school' commitment to being involved with the ISSE program.

At a recent ISSE International Annual Conference it was decided to explore further expansion of the ISSE program and to encourage the involvement of new countries. ISSE Australia was allotted the task of pursuing expansion around the Pacific rim and in Asia.

Following representation from the ISSE Australia Executive, Japanese schools from the area of Tokoname have conducted 'trial' exchanges and now have a group of schools who have become full members of ISSE. Further information can be sought from the ISSE Australia President, Greg Orchard at orchard.gregory.j@edumail.vic.gov.au or via Rowville Primary School Australia, Melbourne Phone 9764 1955 or Fax 9763 8658.

Schools in Argentina are currently conducting several 'trial' exchanges with ISSE Australia schools and it is envisaged they will become full ISSE members in the near future. Schools seeking further information on the Argentina experience should contact Dick Bartley at Bartley.Richard.RP@edumail.vic.gov.au

Langwarrin Primary School is pursuing school contacts in Malaysia and a delegation from that school has visited a school in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately the full partnership was not completed. The school continues to pursue possible contacts via the Internet. Contacts can direct interest to Les Thomas at thomfam@one.net.au

Some interest has also been generated from Chinese and Korean schools and these options continue to be explored as time permits.

Schools who wish to consider involvement in the ISSE program should make preliminary contact with an ISSE Australia contact. ISSE Australia President is Greg Orchard and he can be contacted at orchard.gregory.j@edumail.vic.gov.au or via Rowville Primary School Australia, Melbourne, Phone 9764 1955 or Fax, 9763 8658. In the past it has been possible for an ISSE representative to visit prospective new ISSE schools to provide individual personalised advice and information. ISSE is a Primary School program and involves a full partnership between two schools.

Many Australian schools have developed their own guidelines under the overall expectations of ISSE International. Copies of examples of these guidelines can be forwarded via e-mail attachments. Most guidelines are in the Word 97 format.

Asia is seen as a very popular destination for ISSE Australia schools. Costs for delegations travelling to the United States and Central America are extensive and preclude many of our families from participating. These cost considerations do not occur to the same degree between Australia and Asia. This means more students in our schools could have the opportunity of being selected as a delegate.

Australia's future lies in the Asian theatre.

The International School to School Experience (ISSE) is a unique international programme for primary schools that provides for the exchange of thoughts and ideas through face to face contact with children from other countries arround the world. It is non-profit, non-political, and non-religious in nature. The programme gives primary level school children the opportunity to experience and understand other cultures on a fist hand basis. It is an innovative apprach for schools that realize the importance of international experience in modern education.

ISSE INDIA
Office
12, Station Road, Lucknow,
U.P. INDIA
E-mail: isse@cmseducation.org
Website: www.cmseducation.org
Tel.: (91) (0522) 2225483, 2229738
Fax: (91) (0522) 2212888

Throughout this site there are e-mail addresses and phone contact numbers available. Specific questions can be answered readily.

It is strongly recommended that requests for further information be forwarded to ISSE Australia. Below are three contact e-mail addresses for you. You may wish to direct questions to a particular school and e-mail addresses are included within Australian Schools' Profiles for you.

ISSE Australia President Greg Orchard:

orchard.gregory.j@edumail.vic.gov.au
Rowville Primary School Australia, Melbourne Phone 9764 1955 or Fax 9763 8658.

ISSE Australia Delegate, Mr Dick Bartley: (Principal Upwey Sth Primary School):
Bartley.Richard.RP@edumail.vic.gov.au

Web Page Author, Mr Les Thomas: (Principal Langwarrin Primary School) :
thomfam@one.net.au