Global Leadership

Grades 1-6 International Pen Pal Program: Students will connect with students from partner schools around the world through our pen pal program. Students not only strengthen their communication skills through letter writing, they demonstrate empathy and develop curiosity about people in unfamiliar parts of the world. 

Grade 7 Salish Sea Friendship Program: Building on our pen pal Program, students will have the opportunity for pen pal partnerships with students at Island Pacific School (Bowen Island). They will build upon their communication skills through letter writing, as well as in-person collaboration visits during the school year.

Students will embark on a 5-day experiential cultural learning journey across Vancouver Island designed to deepen students’ understanding of Indigenous governance, history, law, worldview, and contemporary resurgence. It prioritizes respectful engagement with host Nations and integrates structured reflection, academic framing, and alignment with British Columbia’s curricular commitments to reconciliation and Indigenous education. The journey will begin in Lekwungen territory (Victoria) and conclude in Snuneymuxw territory (Nanaimo), reinforcing the responsibility of learners to understand the Indigenous lands on which they live and study.

Students travel to Tokyo, Japan, spending 11 days immersed in Japanese culture and hosted by families from our partner school, Tamagawa Academy. Navigating the bustle and delights of daily life in the world’s biggest city, attending classes at Tamagawa’s state of the art campus, and having shared adventures with new friends provide our students rich opportunities for growth and learning. They also travel by bullet train to Kyoto to participate first hand in Japanese cultural traditions in a 2-day visit. Students practice the art of hospitality by hosting Tamagawa students for a 10-day visit in Nanaimo.

Students travel to Hamburg, Germany, spending 11 days immersed in German culture and hosted by families from our partner school, Buckhorn Gymnasium. Buckhorn Gymnasium places particular emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility and together, our students complete and present a collaborative future design project during their stay. Living with a German family and attending school opens their eyes and minds to a different way of living while forging new friendships. Students also travel to Berlin to learn about the historical and cultural significance of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Students develop their hospitality skills at home by hosting Buckhorn students during their visit to Nanaimo.

Students interested in a true French immersion experience can attend Les Chartreux School in Lyon during a 2-week academic exchange. The Institution des Chartreux is a private educational complex located in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, France. Established in 1824 on the site of a former Carthusian monastery (La Chartreuse du Lys-Saint-Esprit), it is widely considered one of the top academic institutions in the country. Students hone their French language skills living with a French family for 2 weeks and attending classes. Students will also host French students for a reciprocal exchange in Nanaimo. 

Aspengrove offers opportunities for students interested in an extended 6-12 week academic exchange, ensuring academic alignment with our partner schools. We have current relationships with schools in Europe and Asia and are able to work with family connections to establish potential exchanges.