– Ronita Torcato 

The much-awaited student exchange programme between St. Mary’s ICSE & ISC School, Mumbai and Saint Guilduin School, Comburg (France) commenced with the arrival of the French delegation early on Wednesday.

The visiting team comprises 22 students and three teachers, who were received at the airport by teachers-in-charge Elias Coelho, Nicola Pereira and Mystica Vaz, along with the 22 participating Marian students and their parents.

“The student exchange programme marks a significant step towards fostering global understanding and intercultural collaboration,” said a parent, adding, “This initiative provides students with an invaluable opportunity to experience diverse traditions, perspectives, and ways of life, nurturing empathy and mutual respect among young learners.”

Saint Gilduin School is a reputed non-Jesuit institution located in the picturesque town of Combourg in the Brittany region of northwestern France, approximately 370 km from Paris.

St. Mary’s School, Mumbai was founded in 1864 by the Society of Jesus and is a member of the Catholic Archdiocesan Board of Education.

The 12-day programme brings together families from diverse cultural backgrounds and fosters meaningful learning experiences rooted in global citizenship, collaboration, and friendship.

The exchange has been made possible through the support and encouragement of the school management whose vision and commitment to international learning have been instrumental in bringing the programme to life.

Principal Austine Vas said, “Through this initiative, students embrace the values of hospitality, respect for diverse cultures, and appreciation for humanity, beautifully reflecting the Indian ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ – The Guest is God. The exchange promotes cultural diversity and reinforces the timeless belief that the world is one family – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Such international collaborations embody the true Ignatian spirit of Magis, striving for excellence in all things and encourage holistic education that extends beyond academics,he said.

Fr Yohan Alphonso, director, said, “At St. Mary’s, we continue to nurture ‘Men for Others’ – compassionate, reflective, and globally minded citizens who contribute to a more understanding and humane world.”

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