Pompano Beach High School is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the biannual International Summit, an event that will immerse students in a huge exploration of global cultures. Set to be held in January, the summit will bring together educators, students, and cultural representatives from around the world to create an environment of cultural exchange, learning, and collaboration with the countries participating this year: Australia, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Yilan City, and Zimbabwe.
The International Summit, an interactive learning experience, aims to pursue global awareness and cultural understanding among its students. The Summit shows the vision of academic excellence and a commitment to preparing students for an “Unlimited Future” through different cultural experiences.
“The Summit provides students with practical experiences that enhance their understanding of international issues, world languages, and cross-cultural communication. Our goal is for students to graduate with a Global Vision, supported by first hand exposure to different cultures, collaborative projects, and lasting friendships,” Principal Ms. Lisa Spencer said.
This year’s Summit will be packed with many interactive activities, including classroom visits. These experiences are designed to engage students with global topics and encourage the sharing of ideas and perspectives. Students will not only learn from the visiting educators and international peers but also showcase their own culture, and see what is different from their culture, creating an enriching cultural exchange.
“While managing the logistics and communication for an event of this scale is challenging, the reward is seeing it come together successfully. It’s meaningful to know that our students gain valuable lessons from the experience and that our visitors leave feeling satisfied and inspired,” Mr. Rogesterman Farris said. This shows how not only the students but everyone is excited for the upcoming International Summit and can’t wait to see how it will change the perspective of the students about different cultures.
A very notable element of the International Summit is that students have the opportunity to host an international student in their home. This allows them to create a special bond with each other and learn about each other’s cultures in detail.
“Meeting new people, making new friends, and having connections across the globe is something great to have,” junior Leilani Naranjo, a former host, said. “Some memorable experiences were teaching Aashraya how to ride ripstik because most people don’t know how to ride one and they don’t have those in Nepal. Also, she loved the food from my culture and was very surprised when we told her that we eat eggs at any meal, not just breakfast and that we put cheese in our hot chocolate…I’m Colombian.”
Hosting a student makes learning about each other’s cultures more personal and impactful. Students can fully understand what everyday life is like for their guest, such as their diet or leisure activities. Even when the Summit is over, students often stay in touch with their guest, maintaining the bond initially created. “I met Aashraya’s family over the phone and she was able to meet mine and I still talk to her today!” Naranjo said.
Those who are hosting for the first time are eager to meet their soon-to-be roommates, as this allows them to spend time together and grow closer. “I’m so excited to host because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m so glad I’m taking advantage of it,” junior Emma Solsona said, who hopes to have a different experience at this Summit and create a special connection with her guests. “[Last Summit] I kind of kept my distance because I was a little intimidated so I didn’t make that many good connections.”
It is always encouraged to step outside of your comfort zone and fully take advantage of what the Summit has to offer. Even something as small as a conversation can set you on a path to an everlasting friendship.
So as this school gears up for the 2024 International Summit the school anticipates welcoming visitors from diverse regions the excitement is visible. The Summit promises not just to educate but to inspire students and faculty alike. With an agenda that champions global perspectives and cultural celebration, the 2024 International Summit is set to be a transformative event, to support globally and culturally aware students.