International School-to-School Experience [ISSE]

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.

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?