[Branksome Hall Toronto campus, photo taken by Tara Kim]

As a sister school from 2012, Branksome Hall Asia, hosts an annual exchange program called 'BHX', short for the Branksome Hall Exchange program.

BHX takes place with Branksome Hall Toronto from October 8th to the 25th every year, involving ninth-grade middle schoolers from Jeju.

Over 17 days, students embark on a journey starting with six days at Camp Arowhon in Algonquin National Park.

They spend the next five days at the Branksome Hall Toronto campus, staying at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, and conclude their visit with a city tour on the sixth day.

During the five days on the Toronto campus, students engage in a specified academic curriculum called an 'Interdisciplinary Unit’ (IDU).

The IDU is an annual off-school curriculum for students on both campuses to expand their thoughts and foster connections with peers and teachers.

During the five days of the interdisciplinary unit at the Branksome Hall Toronto campus, students participate in various activities.

The topic of the interdisciplinary unit changes twice every year, and students can apply knowledge gained from selected arts classes such as visual arts, music, dance, and drama or performing arts.

Throughout the interdisciplinary unit, Branksome Hall Asia students interact with their Branksome Hall Toronto buddies or have the opportunity to make new friends on the Toronto campus.

The relationship between Branksome Hall Asia and Branksome Hall Toronto is remarkable, with the annual exchange program strengthening their bond.

In October, Branksome Hall Asia sends grade 9 students to the Toronto campus, reciprocated by Branksome Hall Toronto students visiting Branksome Hall Asia the following year.

While regular academic activities emphasize knowledge and first-dimensional thinking, the interdisciplinary unit course focuses on open-minded thinking, communication skill,s and creativity.

For the five days on the Branksome Hall Toronto campus, the faculty supports students to express each element of the International Baccalaureate learner profile.

During the exchange program, Branksome Hall Asia and Branksome Hall Toronto students follow a buddy system for the five days while students are on campus.

BHX is an abstruse tradition that solidifies the connection between the two campuses, providing students and faculty with a deeper understanding of each other.

The program imparts numerous values and creates cherished memories for the participating students.

The strong bond developed by grade 9 students from Branksome Hall Asia and Branksome Hall Toronto over the years is a testament to the success and significance of the BHX program.

Seventeen days in Toronto and three weeks in Jeju constitute the most thrilling experience for all students on both campuses.