As an International Baccalaureate school, we embrace the value of learning from different cultures as a pathway to deeper understanding and authentic global awareness. Our Global Leadership Program empowers students to explore new perspectives while strengthening their ability to lead with empathy, confidence, and purpose in an increasingly connected world.
A Warm Welcome for Tamagawa Visitors
This fall, Aspengrove students and families opened their homes and hearts to 55 visiting students from Tamagawa Academy in Tokyo for a 10-day academic exchange – marking the successful completion of our second Global Leadership Experience.
From a stormy first night arrival to heartfelt goodbyes, the visit was filled with meaningful moments and new friendships. Our guests joined classes, celebrated Halloween, explored the natural beauty of Vancouver Island, and experienced daily life with Canadian families. They also hosted an IB Summit at Tamagawa’s Cedar campus, where they shared research projects and performed songs alongside our students.
Through these experiences, students stepped outside their comfort zones, discovering how much we share despite cultural differences.
The excitement continues as we prepare for our Grade 9 students to visit Tokyo in February, where they will experience the nuances of Japanese life firsthand – a true exchange of culture and understanding.
Crossing Continents: Germany Exchange
Earlier this fall, our first cohort of Grade 9 and 10 students returned from an academic exchange with Gymnasium Buckhorn in Hamburg, Germany. Students lived with host families, attended local schools, and took part in a two-day cultural exploration of Berlin before settling into daily life in Hamburg.
Alongside their German peers, they biked to school, shared family meals, explored the city, and even collaborated on a design challenge to imagine a sustainable, youth-friendly city of the future. The experience was transformative – fostering friendships, deepening cross-cultural understanding, and building students’ confidence in a new environment.
We look forward to welcoming the Buckhorn students to Aspengrove in February for the return visit, continuing the exchange of ideas, learning, and friendship.
The Heart of Global Leadership
Global Leadership at Aspengrove is about more than travel, it’s about cultivating the mindset, empathy, and skills needed to make a difference locally and globally. Under the leadership of Mr. J.O. Eriksson, our first Head of Global Leadership, we are creating opportunities for every student to develop leadership awareness, cultural understanding, and global competence.
Leadership begins right here on campus. Whether through classroom collaboration, teamwork on the field, or simple acts of kindness, students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 learn The Aspengrove Way -how to communicate with respect, collaborate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. These daily practices form the foundation of leadership at every level.
Looking Ahead
This year marks exciting growth in our global partnerships. In just a few weeks, we’ll welcome another group of Tamagawa students to campus, while preparations continue for our students’ upcoming travel to Japan and Germany. These experiences are the essence of Global Leadership – learning from one another, celebrating diversity, and developing a sense of shared humanity.
Leadership at Aspengrove takes many forms: in the classroom, on the field, through service, and in moments of everyday kindness. Together, we are shaping leaders of influence and impact who are ready to engage with the world thoughtfully and compassionately.
For questions or ideas about our Global Leadership initiatives, please contact Mr. Eriksson at jeriksson@aspengroveschool.com.