Global Connections: Sacré Cœur’s India Immersion Trip

Over the summer holidays, a group of Year 11 students from Sacré Cœur had the extraordinary opportunity to embark on a life-changing Global Immersion trip to India. Travelling alongside students and staff from our sister Sacred Heart schools Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Stuartholme, they immersed themselves in Indian culture, deepened their global perspective, and formed lasting bonds with students from across the Sacred Heart network.

The group visited several key sites, including Sophia College in Mumbai, St Theresa’s School in Haregaon, and the Ashankur Women’s Centre, which supports and empowers marginalised women and children in rural India. They were also fortunate to connect with students from Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York, further strengthening our international Sacred Heart family.

From the moment they arrived, our students were welcomed with open arms and generous hearts. Whether it was playing traditional games like Koko and Kabaddi, sharing meals prepared by local families, or enjoying spontaneous karaoke sessions on the bus, they experienced the warmth and joy of Indian hospitality.

Ava shared, “I loved playing Kabaddi and Koko—even if I accidentally ran around the field a million times trying not to get out. The traditional roti we ate, made by the nuns and novices, was also incredible.”

Amy reflected, “When we met the children at St Theresa’s, they immediately brought us into their group and insisted we share their food. That kindness was overwhelming.”

These encounters, often marked by laughter, hugs, and handmade gifts, quickly formed meaningful connections. Bec described a moment when a young girl gave her an evil eye bracelet. “Even though I asked her to keep it, she just wanted to give. It meant so much.”

Chloe recalled being greeted with excitement: “The kids ran up to us, grabbed our hands and just wanted to play. One girl even insisted on carrying my water bottle. It was such a simple gesture, but so meaningful.”

As part of their visit to Sophia College, our students connected with local Year 11 and 12 students and received beautiful traditional henna artwork on their hands. Cultural exchange and mutual respect were at the heart of every interaction.

While the journey was filled with fun and friendship, it was also deeply moving. Jemima shared, “At St Theresa’s, the girls greeted us with shouts of ‘Didi, didi’ which means ‘big sister.’ Even without words, we connected. As Sister Jyoti said, Madeleine Sophie would have been proud to see her children united under one roof.”

As the immersion came to a close, students expressed gratitude for the relationships they formed and the perspective they gained. Chloe noted, “The friendships we made extended beyond India. I still talk to one of the girls from Sydney every day and we’ve even caught up since returning.”

This immersion experience reminded us all of the power of generosity, humility and human connection. These are the values at the heart of a Sacred Heart education. Our students returned home not only with memories to last a lifetime but with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for what it means to belong to a global community.

We are so proud of our students for embracing this journey with open minds and open hearts, and we thank our partner schools and host communities in India for sharing such an unforgettable experience.

Local and international immersion

Through our Sacred Heart Sister School Immersion Program and the ANZNet Sacred Heart Immersion Program, Sacré Cœur students can participate in diverse, in-person collaboration and immersion opportunities within Australia as well as with our international sister schools in the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and Europe.

Read more about our global immersion programs we offer at Sacré Cœur here.