By Dahlia | Year 9, Elians British School of La Nucia, Spain
An introduction from The British School of Lisbon
Some of the most valuable educational experiences begin with the courage to try something new.
As part of the Dukes Education family, The British School of Lisbon has the opportunity to connect with schools beyond Portugal, creating meaningful opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and experience different learning environments.
Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dahlia, a Year 9 student from Elians British School of La Nucia in Spain, for a two-week school exchange.
What began as an exciting new experience became something much more: new friendships, growing confidence and a wonderful example of the power of a welcoming school community.
We invited Dahlia to share her experience in her own words.
My exchange experience at The British School of Lisbon
My name is Dahlia and I am a student at Elians British School of La Nucia in Spain.
It all started a few months ago, when I asked our school's Headteacher if there were any exchange programmes available for me to gain some new experiences abroad.
That's how I came to Lisbon, Portugal, for a two-week exchange programme at The British School of Lisbon.
Going to a new school in another country, on my own, sounded a little scary at first. Being the first student from my school to go on an exchange programme made it even more exciting, but I honestly had no idea what to expect.
On my first day, so many sweet girls welcomed me, asked me about myself and made sure I felt included. The school was huge and modern, and there was so much to discover.
The teachers were really kind too. When a class was learning something I hadn't covered at my school yet, they understood and helped me instead of making me feel awkward.
By day two, everyone was asking about the exchange programme and how they could take part too. Some of my new friends already wanted to come to Spain and visit me. It was lovely to think that something I had started could encourage other students to try it too.
As the days went on, I felt more and more at home. I actually woke up excited to go to school, which, if I'm being honest, doesn't happen every morning!
Everything felt new, and even a normal school day felt a bit like a holiday. By Friday, I was obviously excited for the weekend, but I also realised I was going to miss school and my new friends.
In the second week, my friendships became even stronger. We laughed so much, and one day my friends pretended it was my birthday and started singing to me in the cafeteria. It wasn't my birthday at all, which made it even funnier!
Also, the food there deserves a mention because it was so good.
Towards the end of the week, I started having my last lessons with some of the teachers, and that made leaving feel real. They had made me feel welcome from the beginning, and I was sad to say goodbye.
My last day was the perfect ending. There was a bake sale, so I got to enjoy lots of delicious treats while supporting a charity.
It was a really fun day, but also a sad one. I had arrived knowing nobody, and now I was leaving friends I felt really close to.
I'm so grateful to my school for giving me the chance to be its first exchange student, and to The British School of Lisbon for welcoming me and making the experience so special. Both schools helped me feel supported while I tried something completely new.
If anyone is thinking about doing an exchange programme, I would honestly say go for it.
Being nervous at the start is normal, but you might surprise yourself with how quickly you settle in. You get to experience a different school, meet new people and make memories you couldn't make by staying in your usual routine.
I came home with new friends and more confidence. And if I get the same opportunity next year, I'm definitely going back.
Dahlia
A reflection from BSL
Dahlia's experience is a wonderful reminder that education is about more than academic achievement.
It is about developing the Character to embrace new challenges, building a Community where everyone feels they belong, and empowering young people to make Choices that help them discover their potential.
We are particularly proud of the warm welcome our students and teachers extended to Dahlia, and of the friendships that developed during her time with us.
Being part of the Dukes Education family opens the door to connections and experiences that extend beyond our school and beyond Portugal.
We would like to thank Dahlia for sharing her story and our colleagues at Elians British School of La Nucia for helping to make this exchange possible.
We hope to welcome her back to Lisbon in the future!
