Baldwin, Haverford Students Participate in Global Exchange

Students from The Baldwin School, The Haverford School and Ordrup Gymnasium are participating in a global exchange to study global citizenship, environmental sustainability, and economic policy. (Photo courtesy of the Baldwin and Haverford schools)

______________________________

The following was provided to Patch:

This week, students from The Baldwin School and The Haverford School are kicking off “Be Hoogali,” a new year-long exchange program with students from Ordrup Gymnasium in Copenhagen, Denmark. The name “Be Hoogali” comes from a mix of the English and Danish languages while using the letters from each school. “Hyggelig” (pronounced hoogali in English) means coziness, tranquility, and a welcoming atmosphere in which to spend time with family and friends.

Baldwin and Haverford tenth grade students hosted Ordrup Gymnasium students and participated in a two-day Global Summit during the week of October 6. The seminars and workshops were held at The Haverford School on Tuesday, October 7, and at The Baldwin School on Wednesday, October 8. Discussion themes included Environmental Sustainability, Economic Policy, Immigration and Migration, and a Culture of Happiness. Conversations and collaborations will continue via video-conferencing through February, when the Baldwin and Haverford students will travel to Copenhagen to be hosted by their Danish visitor.

“This exciting program with The Haverford School and Ordrup Gymnasium furthers our goal of providing students with a high-quality, global educational experience,” said Shelley Lapinski, Baldwin’s Coordinator of Global Initiatives. “We are delighted to be partnering with two fine institutions that recognize the value in programs that help our students to be more aware of the globalized world and position themselves as leaders in a multicultural environment.”

The new program was developed and organized this past spring by Baldwin and Haverford students, using their senior project time, along with their faculty global education coordinators. The opportunity required a year-long commitment to the program from students, including a hosting week, a visiting week, and continued communications between visits.

The Danish students were treated to numerous sightseeing excursions into Philadelphia, including a trip to Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks for a cheesesteak taste-test. The Baldwin and Haverford students are looking forward to exploring Denmark in February.

“It is easy for our students to become entrenched in their normal routine of activities and school but a program like ‘Be Hoogali’ breaks down the traditional classroom walls and broadens the student’s perspective of the world,” said Andrew Poolman, Haverford School’s Global Studies Coordinator. “It is our hope that this hosting week, the virtual communication throughout the winter, and our visit to Denmark in February will provide a structured space to explore solutions to global issues and create lasting international friendships.”