This spring, Jennifer Stanley, Carrollwood Day School's Upper School Psychology Instructor and Humanities Department Chair traveled to Paradis International College in Romania as part of a Round Square faculty exchange. Immersed in a vibrant exchange of ideas, she participated in hands-on community projects, engaged in inspiring classroom experiences, and connected with educators and students in meaningful ways. Each day brought new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and cultural discovery, reinforcing the power of global education and the impact of shared knowledge across borders.
Ms. Stanley takes us on a day-by-day journey through her experience, offering a firsthand look at the transformative impact of a Round Square faculty exchange. Through her insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the meaningful connections, cultural exchanges, and learning opportunities that define this global collaboration.
Saturday: A Playground Transformed
The week began with a heartwarming community service project—renovating a playground and planting trees in a local housing development. A dedicated student organized the initiative through Oaze Urbane, continuing a family legacy of advocacy. His older sister had lobbied the government to put new, safer playground equipment on the playground about five years ago when she was in high school, and now he was working to enhance the space with shade trees, a newly painted fence (set to be replaced in the summer), and a walkway. Students and teachers from the school joined forces to make a difference, and as a delightful surprise, an impromptu student concert added a musical touch to our efforts.
Sunday: A Musical Celebration
The faculty treated me to an unforgettable concert by Lupii lui Calancea, a vibrant performance gifted by the Paradis Head of School in honor of International Women’s Day.
Monday: Honoring Heroes of Discovery
I had the privilege of participating in a Round Square event, "Heroes of Discovery," designed and led by older students for 2nd and 3rd graders. The event celebrated Romanian innovators, highlighting student leadership and creativity. Later, I joined an engaging Pi Day lesson, one of the many enriching academic activities that showcased the school’s dynamic approach to learning.
Tuesday: Exploring Romanian Heritage
Our morning was spent sightseeing, followed by a visit to Tansa, a village where the school has played a crucial role in preserving a unique regional pottery tradition. As younger generations moved away from Tansa, this centuries-old art risked fading into history. Recognizing this, Oana, the school’s founder and Head of School, arranged for the art teacher to be trained in this pottery tradition and keep it alive by teaching it to the students at Paradis. I was honored to receive one of these beautiful pots as a keepsake.
Wednesday: Sweet Lessons and Buzzing Discoveries
I joined a delightful cooking lesson in the school’s cooking lab, where we made Cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread. The kindergartners put my skills to shame, but it was all in good fun! Later, I visited the school’s bee room, where 2nd-grade students care for a beehive and study the essential role of bees in the ecosystem.
Thursday: Consumer Psychology in Action
The Psychology and Business teacher led a fascinating lesson on consumer psychology, using Barbie as a case study. The interactive discussion captivated the students, demonstrating how marketing strategies shape consumer behavior.
Friday: Poetry and Environmental Science
The week concluded with an insightful follow-up lesson from World Poetry Day, where students analyzed modern song lyrics as poetry. Then, an environmental science lesson on water conservation took us into the lab to explore the differences between seawater and freshwater.
Jennifer Stanley’s week at Paradis International College was more than just an exchange of ideas. Through hands-on projects, cultural immersion, and engaging academic experiences, she witnessed firsthand how education can bridge communities and inspire new perspectives. The relationships built, lessons learned, and memories made will not only enrich her own teaching but also strengthen the global ties that make Round Square exchanges so impactful. As she brings these experiences back to Carrollwood Day School, her journey serves as a reminder that learning knows no borders—and that meaningful connections can shape education in extraordinary ways.
In 2022, Carrollwood Day School joined Round Square, a global network of schools committed to embracing internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service. Through international travel, meaningful community service, and dynamic classroom collaborations, our students, faculty, and staff cultivate a deep sense of responsibility and leadership on a global scale. Want to learn more? Click HERE!