The 2025 Chronicle

EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

Written by Mrs Leigh Kotze

time abroad challenged the malicious stereotypes often asso ciated with the region, leading him to discover a hidden para dise with the same flare and warmth that South Africans are famous for. Reflecting on the journey, he shared that his time on exchange had truly changed him as a person and allowed him to gain a sort of worldly perspective that was irreplaceable. Ultimately, the programme encourages boys to take a leap of faith into the unknown, operating on the belief that a comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.

The Michaelhouse International Exchange Programme offers a transformative oppor tunity for C Block boys to immerse them selves in different cultures while serving as ambas sadors for the school. For 2025, the programme included a wide array of presti gious global partners across Australia (Christ Church Gram mar School, Kinross Wolaroi School and Hale School), the USA (Woodberry Forest School and Montgomery Bell Academy) and the UK (Rugby School, Blundell’s School and Milton Abbey School), alongside immersion exchanges to Italy, Argentina and Colombia. Selection for the approximately 18 annual places is highly competitive and holistic, evaluating a candidate’s aca demic standing, contribution to school life and character. While participating, boys must navigate unique challenges, such as missing the C Block Journey or sporting seasons, but they re turn with invaluable insights and growth. The impact of the programme is best reflected in the experienc es of the boys themselves, such as those who travelled to Cole gio Colombo Británico in Colombia. One participant noted that before leaving he had realized that if one merely stayed within one’s well-discovered bubble, one would not gain the exposure to understand the ways in which the world truly operated. His

AUSTRALIA • Christ Church Grammar School (CCGS) • Kinross Walaroi • Hale USA • Woodberry Forest School • Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) COLOMBIA • Colegio Colombo Britanico UK • Rugby School

IMMERSION EXCHANGES TO ITALY AND ARGENTINA

EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Back Row: Max Olivier, Griffon Erasmus, Drew Lindsay, William Wadman, Raif Jinnah, Ben Sevel, Slade Bartel, Jack Campbell Middle Row: Jack Ross-Kent, Noah Holl, Tanaka Chinyoka, Duncan Roberts, Massimo Calcaterra, Shail Rajkumar, Sinaluthando Masuku Front Row: Solethu Ngxola, Nkosinathi Radebe, Amohelang Mphaka, Bernard Rossouw, Mikahael Geemooi Absent from picture: Nathan Roberts