From 14 to 23 April 2026, Beacon Academy had the pleasure of welcoming four students, accompanied by their teacher and principal, from Pathseekers School as part of an international exchange programme.
More than just visiting another school, the programme provided students with the opportunity to learn from one another, experience different cultures, and build meaningful friendships. At Beacon Academy, we believe learning goes beyond the classroom, and throughout their two-week stay, the students actively participated in school life alongside their Beacon buddies.
In addition to attending classes, the students joined various extracurricular activities such as football, badminton, and drama. They also explored Indonesian culture by learning to play the Angklung and practising traditional Indonesian dances.
The cultural experience continued through educational visits to some of Jakarta’s most iconic landmarks, including Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral. During these visits, students explored the rich history and cultural significance of the landmarks while learning about Indonesia’s diversity, harmony, and religious tolerance. They were also introduced to renewable energy initiatives implemented at both sites. One particularly meaningful moment was when they walked through the Terowongan Silaturahim, often described as a “bridge of hearts” symbolising unity and mutual respect between different religious communities in Indonesia.
On another memorable excursion, the students explored Sunda Kelapa Harbour and Kota Tua Jakarta, where they discovered the early history of Jakarta and experienced the atmosphere of the city’s historic old town. They also had the chance to taste Jamu, Indonesia’s traditional herbal drink, as part of their cultural exploration.
Another highlight of the programme was a batik-making workshop, where the students learned the art of creating traditional Indonesian batik fabric. Each student created their own batik craft to bring home as a meaningful souvenir from Indonesia.
The exchange students not only learned Angklung and traditional dance, but also had the honour of showcasing their new skills during Beacon Academy’s Kartini Day celebration. In front of fellow students and teachers, they confidently performed two songs using the Angklung and collaborated with their Beacon buddies to perform the traditional Saman dance. Their performance reflected the spirit of cultural appreciation, collaboration, and friendship that defined the entire programme.
The exchange programme concluded with a heartfelt Closing Assembly. During the event, the four exchange students performed traditional Indian dances and songs as a gesture of gratitude to the Beacon Academy community for the warm welcome and unforgettable experience they received throughout their stay.
In their farewell speeches, the exchange students, their teacher, and principal shared how deeply touched they were by the kindness, hospitality, and friendships formed during the programme. They expressed that this exchange had become one of the most valuable and memorable experiences of their lives.
The programme served as a beautiful reminder that education is not only about academic learning, but also about building connections, understanding different cultures, and creating lifelong memories across borders.
