A Scottish Exchange
By Phillip Zhang ’20
My exchange to Gordonstoun School in Scotland has been a great experience so far. Everyone has been very welcoming to me and the teachers have been able to keep me busy with work when I have a break from school work from LCS. My exchange partner’s parents have also been very nice and are doing the best they can to enable me to enjoy my time outside of school, and they have made it possible for me to see and experience new things.
The most challenging aspect of my exchange so far has been learning and adapting to Gordonstoun’s school rules and policies. This school is stricter than what I am used to at LCS when it comes to rules and policies including dress code, phone usage, classroom behavior, etc. Also, it has taken a while to get used to having less free time, as students always have a co-curricular activity on Saturday and each grade has an event every Saturday night where the full grade gets together to do an activity together. In addition, there is a Chapel service almost every day.
Among the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far, is earning “bronze” certification for my school work. This was granted for doing well in my classes and with “prep” (homework). I also really enjoyed the exchange trip to Loch Ness as it was a lot of fun. Among other attractions, I have been able to to see the castle ruins. Although it was quite cold and I personally didn’t find Nessie, it was still a very memorable and enjoyable trip.
I feel like coming here has really reinforced the type of person I am back at LCS – someone who makes friends, but who sometimes also feels like I am on the outside of certain social circles. In fact, being like this actually allowed me to have one of the best friends I could ever have asked for at Gordonstoun. This is because we are so alike that we are able to easily click together as friends. For me, this has reinforced the belief that even if you aren’t an overly social or outgoing person, you can still grow and make friends.
I would definitely recommend going on exchange to any LCS Grade 9 student who may be considering applying for next year’s Grade 10 Exchange Program, as it’s an absolutely wonderful experience - no matter where you go. As I have found out, there will always be something new to learn, observe and do. Through my own experience, I have discovered that the people at your host school are welcoming of new students, and you will all benefit from learning about each other’s lives, schools and countries.
School Information
4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
Social
Translate
Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
Accessibility Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use