Date: 9–18 June 2026
Location: Japan
Participating Schools: De Paul International Residential School, Mysore & Republic Central School, Mysore
A Global Learning Journey from Mysore to Japan
From 9 to 18 June 2026, students of De Paul International Residential School, Mysore, together with students from Republic Central School, Mysore, participated in an enriching Indo-Japan Student Cultural Exchange Programme that brought together education, cultural understanding, international exposure and experiential learning.
For students, an international educational journey is much more than visiting another country. It is an opportunity to step beyond familiar surroundings, experience a different culture, observe new perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the world. This Japan programme provided students with an invaluable opportunity to experience Japanese culture, heritage, education and modern urban life first-hand.
As an international residential school in Mysore, De Paul International Residential School, Mysore places strong emphasis on preparing students for a globally connected world. Experiences such as this help extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage students to become confident, culturally aware and globally minded individuals.
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Cultural Exchange and Learning in Japan
A significant part of the programme was the interaction with Japanese students, providing an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and meaningful engagement between students from India and Japan.
Such interactions allow young learners to discover similarities and differences in everyday life, education, traditions and culture while developing greater respect for different communities. The experience of learning with peers from another country adds a valuable international dimension to school education.
The programme also combined cultural exploration with visits to some of Japan’s important historical and modern landmarks.
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Exploring Nara and Kyoto
The journey included visits to Nara and Kyoto, two destinations closely associated with Japan’s cultural and historical heritage.
In Nara, students experienced the surroundings of Nara Deer Park and visited Todaiji Temple. The programme also included the Byodo-in Temple and exploration of the Uji district, providing students with exposure to Japan’s traditional architecture, heritage and cultural landscapes.
The visit continued to Fushimi Inari Shrine and To-ji, allowing students to experience some of Kyoto’s renowned cultural landmarks.
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Discovering Hiroshima and Miyajima
The programme also took students to Hiroshima, where they visited significant historical sites including the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
The Hiroshima experience offered an important opportunity for students to engage with history and reflect on the importance of peace and human understanding.
The journey also included Miyajima, home to the renowned Itsukushima Shrine. The island’s distinctive cultural and historical setting provided another memorable dimension to the students’ experience of Japan.
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Experiencing Osaka – History, Culture and Modern Japan
The programme included a comprehensive exploration of Osaka, one of Japan’s major metropolitan centres.
Students visited Osaka Castle and Nishinomaru Garden, gaining an insight into the historical heritage of the city. The programme also included Kuromon Market, offering an introduction to Osaka’s vibrant local culture and culinary environment.
At the Umeda Sky Building, students experienced one of Osaka’s most recognisable modern landmarks and its panoramic views of the city.
The visit to the Osaka Museum of History further connected students with the city’s transformation across different periods of Japanese history, providing an educational perspective on Osaka’s development from its historical roots to its modern identity.
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International Exposure That Goes Beyond the Classroom
The Indo-Japan Student Cultural Exchange Programme 2026 represents the kind of experiential learning that complements academic education with real-world exposure.
For students from De Paul International Residential School, Mysore, the journey provided opportunities to:
- Experience Japanese culture and traditions
- Interact with students from another country
- Explore important historical and cultural landmarks
- Develop international awareness
- Understand different social and cultural perspectives
- Connect classroom learning with real-world experiences
- Build confidence through international exposure
The participation of De Paul International Residential School, Mysore, and Republic Central School, Mysore, together also made the programme a meaningful collaborative educational experience, bringing students from two schools together on an international learning journey.
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Building Globally Minded Young Learners
International exposure plays an increasingly important role in modern education. Students who experience different cultures and environments gain opportunities to broaden their perspectives, appreciate diversity and understand the interconnected nature of today’s world.
At De Paul International Residential School, Mysore, education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms to include experiences that contribute to the holistic development of students. International programmes such as this help students learn through observation, interaction, exploration and cultural engagement.
The Indo-Japan Student Cultural Exchange Programme 2026 was therefore not simply a journey across Japan. It was a journey of learning, cultural discovery, international friendship and global exposure—an experience that students can carry with them long after returning home to Mysore.
De Paul International Residential School, Mysore continues to create opportunities that connect students with the wider world, strengthening its identity as a school focused on holistic education, global exposure and future-ready learning.
