From the Olympus Boarding House we wish a Happy Lunar New Year to every member of our Chinese community.

新年快乐 – Xīnnián kuàilè

Boarding schools are unique environments that offer students the opportunity to live, learn, and grow alongside their peers from all over the world. This diversity of backgrounds and cultures can be incredibly enriching for students, as it exposes them to new perspectives, ideas, and ways of life. However, in order for students to truly benefit from this diversity, it is important for them to actively seek out and form international friendships.

One of the most obvious benefits of international friendships is the opportunity to learn about different cultures. When students form friendships with peers from other countries, they have the opportunity to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. This can be especially valuable for students who may not have the opportunity to travel abroad or experience different cultures in their own communities.

Additionally, international friendships can help students develop important skills such as communication, empathy, and understanding. In order to form and maintain friendships with people from other cultures, students must learn to navigate linguistic and cultural differences. This can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding as it helps students develop the ability to communicate effectively with people from all over the world.

Furthermore, forming international friendships can also help students build a sense of global citizenship. When students form friendships with people from other cultures, they begin to see themselves as part of a larger global community. This can help them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy towards people from other cultures, which can be a powerful force for positive change in the world.

In conclusion, boarding school is a unique opportunity for students to live, learn and grow alongside their peers from all over the world. Making international friendships is a great way for students to benefit from this diversity and learn about different cultures, develop important skills and build a sense of global citizenship. Encourage students to actively seek out and form international friendships and make the most of this unique opportunity.