Bridging Borders: SmartKids and Scholastic International Schools Host Cambodia-Myanmar Exchange
PHNOM PENH, February 28, 2026 — In a vibrant display of regional solidarity, Grade 7 and 8 students from SmartKids International School-Branch 4 recently engaged in a landmark cultural exchange program with Scholastic International School. This initiative brought together the rich heritage of Cambodia 🇰🇭 and Myanmar 🇲🇲, allowing students to explore the deep cultural ties and unique traditions that define Southeast Asia.
The Pillars of Global Exchange
The program was carefully designed to move beyond the classroom, focusing on three essential areas of student growth:
- Cultural Diplomacy: Students shared and learned about the traditional values, music, and history of both nations, fostering a deep respect for diversity.
- Institutional Alliances: Strengthening the partnership between SmartKids and Scholastic, ensuring a collaborative future for educators and students alike.
- Skill Empowerment: Through interactive workshops, students were encouraged to use teamwork, courage, and creativity to solve problems and present their cultural stories.
Building the “Global Citizen” Mindset
From our perspective at Schools Cambodia, these exchange programs are critical for the development of middle school students. At ages 12–14, students are forming their identities; exposure to different cultures at this stage provides:
- Expanded Perspectives: Realizing that while traditions may differ, the aspirations of students in Phnom Penh and Yangon are remarkably similar.
- Communication Confidence: Practicing English as a common language (lingua franca) to discuss complex topics like heritage and national pride.
- Creative Collaboration: Working in mixed-school teams to produce performances or projects, breaking down the “us vs. them” mentality.
We applaud SmartKids International School for investing in these “journeys of the mind,” ensuring their students are ready to flourish in an interconnected world.