Round Square & International Programs

What is Round Square?

Round Square is a unique educational philosphy, spearheaded by a world-wide association of schools who come together to enrich the student experience through international learning and exchanges.  Ermitage is not only a Global Member of Round Square, but we are proud to have our own Head of School serve as the European Regional Director.  Through Round Square, Ermitage is able to further its students' awareness of the world community and their place in an ever changing global society.

As the only Round Square school in France, Ermitage's academic curricula reflect the IDEALs of Round Square: Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.  Student government, organizations for the environment, human rights groups, and more have been formed within our school's community.

Through a network of more than 100 schools on five continents sharing unique and ambitious goals, Round Square students demonstrate a strong commitment that goes beyond academic excellence - indeed they are often taken half way around the world!  Round Square students develop as individuals and acheive a sense of responsibility, by participatng in community service and work projects, exchange programs and adventure outings.  For more information, please visit www.roundsquare.org.

Students at Ermitage have the opportunity to travel in groups or embark on individual exchanges all over the world.  Recent opportunities have included trips to India, Peru, China, Australia, USA, Canada, and many European countries.  On every exchange, the Round Square IDEALs are reinforced throughout.  For additional student news, please go to the News & Events page.

What does Round Square mean to us?

The pillars of Round Square (IDEALS) are an extension of what our school has historically offered.  Ermitage has been at the forefront of international education for the past 70 years, encouraging students to become global citizens.

Through Round Square, our students are guaranteed to participate in the most prestigious conferences, exchange programs, and service projects around the world.

Students are asked to think critically about their impact on an ever-changing world.  Encouraged to challenge the world they live in, students engage more intensely the issues facing their peers and their environment. 

Ermitage students have the extraordinary chance to interact with fellow international students ... building a global network of friends and experiences that will last a lifetime!

Round Square Calendar of Events

Download the RS Calendar of Events 2010 - 2011 to see all of the international initiatives coming up next year at Ermitage. Please note that all events and dates may be changed frequently, so check the calendar and the website to get the updated information for each event.

Recent Round Square Initiatives, 2009-2010

Students have many opportunities throughout the year to participate in conferences, exchanges, projects and trips which take them around the world.  Through many of these experiences, students take the initiative to support their global community through humanitarian work and make lasting global connections with their international correspondents.  Similarly, the halls of Ermitage are constantly filled by new faces of students who visit Ermitage on a Round Square exchange.  Please see below for a listing of current Round Square initiatives:

• ICU2 Eye Camp, India 2010  In February 2010, Ermitage completed a successful service trip to India, where 17 of our Upper School students helped local Opticians screen 3600 Indian villagers for eye problems of all kinds.  Students were plunged into a completely different world, facing unique challenges, and building a strong team foundation across borders.  Through the two-week trip to Mumbai and Indore, Ermitage and the ICU2 organization donated over 2000 pairs of glasses and helped 280 Indians to get free cataract surgery.
• Ermitage Hosts Indian Students  In March 2010, 19 students from a prestigious partner school in Mumbai (the Dhirubhai Ambani International School) hosted by Ermitage students and enjoyed a taste of the French culture and hospitality.
• Round Square Westfield Conference Five Ermitage students have had the chance to participate in the Westfield School Regional Round Square conference, in Newcastle, UK. An opportunity for them to discuss world issues with their peers from the Round Square European region, with the theme: Our World in Harmony.  
• Round Square International Conference In October 2009, a group of Ermitage students represented our school at the Round Square international conference held at Mayo College, in Ajmer, India. Our six students proudly demonstrated their knowledge of the world through debates, discussions, and activities. They were able to mingle with over 600 students from around the world and will forever remember their experience at the conference that took them from Delhi, the Taj Mahal, the Pink City of Jaipur, to the magnificent campus of Mayo College.
• Annual China Trip  The annual Ermitage China trip, which took place in November 2009, was also a great success this year, as a group of our students explored the ancient cities of Beijing and Wuhan, and also had a chance to discover the educational and cultural differences of a country that is as mysterious as it is important to the future generations of Ermitage.