International Students Inspired During Visit to Abbey College Cambridge
11th March 26
Abbey College Cambridge was delighted to welcome two international partner schools for a two‑day programme of academic enrichment and cultural exchange: Gymnázium Andreja Sladkoviča v Banskej Bystrici (Secondary Grammar School of Andrej Sládkovič) from Slovakia and AMES Education from Lithuania.
During their stay, students experienced life at Abbey College Cambridge through taster lessons, participation in our annual Diplomacy Conference, and an exclusive Cambridge University lecture. Slovakian students also had the opportunity to experience boarding life in our on‑site accommodation.
A Warm and Welcoming Introduction to College Life
From the moment they arrived, visitors were struck by the friendliness and openness of the Abbey College Cambridge community. Teachers and students spent time welcoming guests, helping them settle into boarding, and guiding them through their timetable of lessons and activities.
One Slovakian student, Zoja, shared how the environment made an immediate impact:
“Staying there, even for a short period, gave me a different perspective on school and education. The visit left me feeling motivated to work on my self-confidence and step out of my comfort zone.”
Another student, Laura, highlighted the sense of safety and belonging:
“I felt really safe there and the staff really cared about making us feel safe. Teachers and students were so kind and welcoming… We made a lot of friends.”
Exploring a New Style of Learning
Students spent a day attending taster lessons delivered by Abbey College Cambridge teachers. These sessions introduced them to our discussion‑based, interactive teaching style, which many described as refreshing, challenging, and inspiring.
Simi reflected on the difference:
“The lessons were very active and engaging. The teachers created a positive atmosphere and encouraged us to participate. It was a wonderful experience and I am very grateful I could be part of it.”
For others, the creativity of the teaching style stood out. Students particularly enjoyed writing on desks and walls during activities, a method that surprised and delighted many of them. As one Slovakian student noted:
“The lessons were fun and I learned so much… I really appreciated the teachers’ approach to making lessons interactive and meaningful.”
The Diplomacy Conference: Collaboration and Global Perspectives
On their final day, students joined the Abbey College Cambridge Diplomacy Conference, working alongside our own students and peers from other schools across the UK. Delegates discussed international issues, negotiated solutions, and developed leadership and communication skills in a dynamic, simulation‑style event.
Caroline described the experience as a highlight:
“The conference was interesting and interactive. We listened to wonderful presentations and worked on a project with our group. It was a great experience.”
Nicol added that the atmosphere of the college made the academic challenge even more rewarding:
“The diplomacy conference was filled with new information, unique global perspectives, and interesting opinions. The atmosphere at Abbey was wonderful thanks to friendly students and incredibly helpful staff.”
A Unique Cambridge University Experience
During their visit, students also had the opportunity to attend the University of Cambridge lecture “The 9/11 Attacks: An Insider’s Perspective”, delivered by Barbara Grewe, a senior counsel to the 9/11 Commission and one of the key authors of its final report.
The talk offered an in‑depth, first‑hand account of the events leading up to 9/11 and the global implications of the Commission’s findings. Visitors described the lecture as eye‑opening, powerful, and deeply educational.
Gratitude and Reflections from Visiting Staff
We received warm words from PhDr. Slavka Dudášová, who praised both the organisation of the visit and the academic value it provided:
“The annual conference and school day at Abbey College were amazing once again. We learnt a lot, met new people, and gained different perspectives. The welcoming atmosphere, the friendly approach of the staff, and the highly academic environment made it all even better.”
She extended special thanks to Dr Ellen Hesse, Principal, and Divya Anand, International Projects Lead, for their support throughout the visit.
We were also delighted to receive a message from Maria Kleczkowska, Director of Studies at AMES Education, who wrote:
“It was amazing how well it is all organised and what wonderful people work here. Thank you for everything you did preparing our stay – we appreciate it a lot.”
Continuing Our Commitment to Global Learning
The visit from Gymnázium Andreja Sladkoviča v Banskej Bystrici and AMES Education was a celebration of international friendship, academic curiosity, and cultural exchange. We are proud to have offered students a transformative experience – one that many described as unforgettable.
We look forward to welcoming both schools back to Cambridge in the future and to further strengthening our global partnerships.
