Four Pupils Visit Dehran, India for the G-PIE Conference 2025

At the end of the summer term, four pupils had the unique opportunity to visit The Doon School and Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun, located in the Uttarakhand region of northern India, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. Their visit was part of the G-PIE 2025 Conference (Global Perspectives on International Education), a prestigious international event that brought together pupils from around the world. During the conference, pupils engaged in a wide range of thought-provoking discussions, collaborative workshops, and cultural exchanges focused on global citizenship, sustainability, and the future of education. The experience not only broadened their academic horizons but also offered a rich immersion into Indian culture and the diverse perspectives of fellow pupils from across the globe.

“I was very fortunate to travel to India with the school last term to attend the G-PIE conference. It was a great opportunity to deepen my understanding of cultures I hadn’t previously encountered. My favourite part of the conference was hearing presentations from pupils representing different schools, where they shared unique aspects of their educational experiences. This allowed me to compare their perspectives with my own and broaden my appreciation for the many ways of learning and living across the globe.”- Written by Mills

“I feel incredibly lucky to have visited India in June, as it gave me the chance to explore India’s rich cultural diversity and connect with people from around the world. This experience helped me to immerse myself into new perspectives and to step outside of my comfort zone. The thing I enjoyed most was that this trip changed how I see global communities and my place within them.”- Written by Emma

“Our host schools, Doon and Welham, did an excellent job attending to us. The conference itself focused on developing our intercultural competency through the exploration of Indian culture and the wider cultural world. The weeklong project on the importance of water conservation brought us all together, aiding in the formation of friendships which still last to this day. The interview process to attend the conference greatly helped to reinforce our communication skills, which were required routinely throughout. G-PIE offered a judgement-free space where all thoughts and ideas were heard and recognised. We were also given the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Indian culture, which welcomed us to question our preconceived expectations. Our walk through the wonderful neighbourhood of Dehradun exposed us to individuals who approach life from a different angle. Their commitment to their religious beliefs and practices was beautiful to witness. We were kindly given the opportunity to celebrate the sacred Ganges alongside them, allowing us to go “below the iceberg” of Indian culture. This conference might just be the key you’re looking for to begin your journey of self-development and discovery.” – Written by Saskia

“The G-PIE conference we attended was a novel and interesting experience that I am extremely glad I applied and interviewed for. The conference itself was held in India this year and a wonderful opportunity to engage with and explore Indian culture while also focusing on the key themes of the conference; Culture (Particularly focusing upon Cultural Communication), Water and AI. While exploring such subjects we also got the terrific opportunity to go “below the surface” of Indian culture by being able to visit, explore and engage with Indian practices and holy sites. The most memorable experience was witnessing the religious practices occur on the banks of the Ganga (Ganges) as it began to rain following a sweltering few days. I also enjoyed the experience of meeting a new and diverse range of people from countries such as Bhutan and Rwanda, making new friends with whom I am still in contact today.”- Written by Cameron