Tallwood High School was part of history last month as students from the Global Studies and World Languages Academy hosted the first cultural exchange program with the Philippines.
Eight students from Regional Science High School III and Olongapo City National High School, Olongapo City, Philippines visited Virginia Beach. While here, students stayed in the homes of Tallwood families and were able to spend time in classes with the students.
One of the biggest differences from life in the Philippines? Here, at the end of a class, students walk to their next classroom for class. In the Philippines, the students stay in the same classroom and it is the teachers who rotate around the building.
For the eight students who made the trip, the itinerary included meeting with Tallwood students and staff as well as visiting historic sites such as the Macarthur Memorial in Norfolk and a trip to Washington, D.C. Additionally, members of the Virginia Beach Filipino community had a special reception for the students.
Last year, Virginia Beach and Olongapo City designated each other a Friendship City. The students who made the trek to Virginia Beach say they hope this experience will be a continuation of that bond.
To see more photos from the students’ stay, visit our Facebook page.