To understand Nepal’s education system and reading culture, 18 students and 4 teachers from Royal Grammar School and Tormead School in Guildford, UK, have come to Nepal together.

They have come to Nepal under the ‘Student Exchange’ program that has been running for two decades with Bhupu Sainik Residential Secondary School in Besisahar. The British students observed the school’s classes, laboratories, extracurricular activities, and teaching methods. They participated in lessons alongside 19 students from grades 9 and 10 of Bhupu Sainik Residential Secondary School. All the students from the UK are studying at the equivalent of grades 11–12. The British students were captivated by the cultural performances presented by the students dressed in traditional attire. They also took part in extracurricular activities such as rice planting.

For the British students, learning was not limited to textbooks but also included culture and lifestyle. When Nepali students shared their experiences about Gurung culture, local customs, and school life, the British students exchanged information about their own country’s education system, school activities, and student life. Teacher Anukala Gurung said that group discussions, creative programs, and cultural events fostered easy friendships between the British and Nepali students.

Charlie Westcott from Royal Grammar School said that the Nepal he experienced firsthand was very different from what he had read about on the internet. “The biggest difference was the warmth here,” he said. He appreciated the close relationships between teachers and students, the helpful behavior, and the disciplined environment within the Nepali school.

Sophia Goncharuk from Tormead School said she was impressed by the diligence of Nepali students and teachers, their commitment to learning, and the school culture connected to the community. “The opportunity to directly experience Nepali language, culture, traditions, and daily life will make my stay in Nepal even more meaningful,” she said.

Renuka Gurung, a student at Bhupu Sainik Residential Secondary School, said this opportunity had opened the door to gaining international experience. According to Principal Binod Gurung, such programs connect students to the world beyond the confines of the classroom. “This is a learning opportunity for our students,” he said.

He said that there are plans to further strengthen the relationship between schools in the UK and Nepal and to expand such programs in the coming days.

The relationship between this school and the two schools in the UK began 20 years ago. The school’s founder, former British Army Captain Ranbahadur Gurung, and his family have played a major role in this. He is currently in the UK. Principal Gurung said that the opportunity for students and teachers to visit each other’s countries and learn from direct experience every year has sent a positive message about Nepal’s education, culture, and friendship.