At Ermitage, we believe in the power of collaboration and global citizenship. One of the most exciting opportunities our students have is participating in Round Square conferences. Each year, Round Square hosts international and regional conferences tailored to different age groups in middle school and high school. These conferences are more than just gatherings; they are immersive experiences that focus on a key pillar of the organisation, exploring themes such as environmental sustainability, cultural understanding, and social justice. What makes these conferences even more special is their diverse global locations, as each year’s event takes place on a different continent.
A few weeks ago, two students from Ermitage International School, Laetitia (1ère at the Lycée) and Quentin (IB DP1), were lucky enough to take part in the Round Square conference in Colombia. This experience not only provided them with the chance to engage in meaningful discussions about vital world issues but also allowed them to connect with peers from various backgrounds, enhancing their understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
Discover their adventures and the insights they gained, as they bring back their acquired knowledge to enrich our community at Ermitage.
A Week of Cultural Immersion
The trip started with a week of fun and learning. The students discovered new cultures and met and exchanged with the locals. On the first day, Laetitia and Quentin ventured to a local coffee plantation, where the guide cleverly used marketing games to engage the students, rewarding the best results with coffee products.
Then, they had lunch in the charming city of Belen, where they savoured a delicious fish broth followed by traditional meat, rice, plantains, and beans.
The next day brought even more excitement as they visited a secondary school in Belacazar. There, they experienced a warm welcome and enjoyed a delightful lunch at the homes of local students and teachers. They also watched a captivating play that shared a traditional Colombian story, followed by an impressive performance from the school band. It wasn't long before everyone was dancing together—a highlight of the trip!
The students also had the chance to assist in English lessons, enjoying their newfound celebrity status as local students clamoured for photos and conversations. A surprise visit from a local politician led to an exploration of the town hall and a visit to the fourth-largest statue of Christ in Colombia, making for a day filled with awe and appreciation.
Exploring Nature and Local Traditions
As the days unfolded, Laetitia and Quentin experienced the beauty of Colombia's landscapes. They trekked to a cocoa plantation, where they harvested cocoa pods before learning about the chocolate-making process!
They were treated to traditional snacks by a nice local, adding to the richness of their experience.
The group also enjoyed a leisurely day at thermal springs and waterfalls, providing a perfect balance to their action-packed schedule. They even rode horses through breathtaking mountain scenery, forging unforgettable memories along the way.
Service and Creativity: Giving Back and Learning
After a week packed with unique visits, Laetitia and Quentin arrived in Boyaca in the Villa de Leyva, where they attended the welcome and opening ceremonies. The Round Square conference kicked off with various activities in small groups like zip-lining, high ropes and a scavenger hunt.
The Service day was particularly impactful, as the students hiked 5.5 kilometres to the Iguaque Natural Park to help plant trees, supporting local flora conservation efforts after devastating wildfires.
This opportunity to give back highlighted the generosity and warmth they had received from the Colombian people.
The students’ creativity also flourished during this conference, especially while hiking through the Sacred Valley, where they saw ancient cave paintings and learned traditional crafts like basket weaving and pottery.
Moreover, the Cultural Evening showcased the incredible talents of the students, featuring dance and music from diverse cultures.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As the conference drew to a close, the students engaged in a final activity exploring Bogotá’s vibrant street art scene, learning about local artists and expressing their creativity through tagging on paper.
Reflecting on their time in Colombia, Laetitia and Quentin returned with not just memories, but international friendships and a deeper understanding of global citizenship. Their journey embodies the spirit of Ermitage’s mission to cultivate compassionate, informed, and engaged global citizens.
We can’t wait to see how these experiences shape their futures, and we are immensely proud of them for representing our school with such enthusiasm and grace!