US Universities in their Sights
North American Exchange
As part of our annual exchange programme, in January three pupils from Germantown Friends School (GFS) in Philadelphia joined our Winchester Community. Two girls came as day pupils and were hosted by one of our families, making Chernocke House their home on campus, while the third pupil took up residence in Bramston’s. The pupils took part in lessons, sport and extra-curricular activities, as well as experiencing Winchester's unique Div sessions.
In February, four Winchester pupils made the return journey to GFS. They arrived the day before the Super Bowl, in which the Philadelphia Eagles were playing, with lots of excitement about the possibility of a day off school if the Eagles won. Sadly for the city (and the pupils) it wasn’t to be, and the Kansas City Chiefs came out on top, and Thursday school continued as usual. The pupils were hosted by GFS families and spent two days immersed in American high school life.
Exploring US Universities
The trip also provided the opportunity to tour three very different American Colleges, each of which have been popular with graduating Winchester College pupils in recent years: UPenn, Princeton and Columbia. Visiting such universities is an important part of our work to support pupils with the ambition to attend an international university; particularly as the admissions process is very different to that in the UK.
A Taste of US Life
Highlights for the visitors included Philly cheese steaks, as well as the more surprising Southern dish of fried chicken and pancakes, wandering down New York City’s 5th Ave, and a visit to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in downtown Philadelphia. They developed new friendships and gained a better understanding of what US university life can offer.
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