We’re proud of our diverse community of students here at Cadbury and International Education Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate the benefits of foreign exchange. Leaving your home, family and friends to pursue an education abroad takes courage and determination.
Laura and Jana have both ventured out of their comfort zones to study A Levels at Cadbury and expand their horizons with a global perspective. We caught up with them to hear more about their life-changing exchange experiences:
"I’m Laura from Italy and I’m studying Biology, Chemistry, Spanish, Italian and Latin. I decided to go on exchange because I wanted to learn English and to explore England and its culture and have an unforgettable experience. I would definitely recommend this life experience to every student because it helps you to mature as a person and as a student and it could be really helpful in the future when applying for uni or looking for a job. The best part of my experience so far has been getting to know people from all around the world and living with an English host family and with a German host sister.
"I really like Birmingham as it is an international city and there are people from all around the world living here. Cadbury College has welcomed me and helped me a lot at the beginning when I was still struggling with the language and all the teachers have been really helpful and understanding. I really enjoy the environment at Cadbury College and the help that they offer to every student."
“I’m Jana and I’m from a city called Krefeld in Germany. I’m currently studying Chemistry, Biology and Art at Cadbury College. In the summer of 2019 I started to think about my options regarding my educational pathway and simultaneously my future. When I came across the option to apply for an exchange year in the UK, I was certain as to what I wanted to be doing right away. I was going to be spending the academic year of 2020/2021 in Birmingham, England. Going on exchange gives you the opportunity to adapt to new situations and learn how to cope in a different country as well as culture, surrounded by different people and a foreign language. I would highly recommend a stay abroad to all students as being exposed to situations that require you to get out of your comfort zone will have a lasting impact on your adaptability.
"The best part of my exchange year has been the opportunity to live with an English host family and an Italian host sister and therefore to get used to new dynamics. Birmingham has been a great placement for me as it provides all the options a city has to offer. I find Cadbury College and all its staff to be very personable and involved when it comes to students' general wellbeing and academic performance. My teachers have always been very helpful and Cadbury has made me feel welcome and comfortable from the very beginning. So much so, that I decided to stay a second year and finish my A Level qualifications here, rather than back in Germany this year.”
