Passport Day 2025: A day in someone else’s shoes.

In the vibrant heart of GCF, something extraordinary unfolded—a journey that took our students across continents, cultures, and languages without ever leaving campus. Passport Day 2025 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of global citizenship, bilingual exploration, and cultural discovery—a day when imagination met education in a way that only GCF can deliver.

This year’s edition of Passport Day was designed to ignite curiosity, boost language learning, and deepen cultural awareness. Our goal? To immerse students in real bilingual scenarios, where English becomes not just a subject but the key to unlocking the world.

From the very start, the energy was electric. Divided among the eight legendary houses—Araguatos, Cachirres, Jaguares, Corocoras, Guios, Chiguiros, Venados, and Cachicamos—students became global explorers, each house transforming into a different country. The transformation was stunning: the Araguatos brought the adventurous spirit of New Zealand, the Cachirres turned ice into excitement in the Arctic, and the Jaguares invited everyone to breathe in the serene spirituality of Tibet. The Corocoras lit up the space with the precision and elegance of Japan, while the Guios offered the rich traditions of Poland. The wild and wonderful Tanzania came alive with the Chiguiros, the Venados captured the mystique and energy of China, and the Cachicamos danced their way through the vibrance of Thailand.

Every student played a unique role in this global experience. As Visitors, students packed their “passports” and explored each country, following English-only instructions, engaging in interactive challenges, and discovering fascinating facts about each culture. They became travellers, learners, and question-askers—opening their minds to new perspectives and global traditions.

Meanwhile, the Actors were the heartbeat of the journey. They brought the countries to life through performances, simulations, traditional games, and authentic cultural expressions. Whether it was a haka from New Zealand, a tea ceremony from Japan, or a traditional Thai dance, these students weren’t just speaking English—they were living it.

The friendly competition between houses added another layer of excitement, fueling creativity, collaboration, and school spirit. Flags waved, cheers echoed, and laughter filled the air as students moved from country to country, immersing themselves in the vibrant, multilingual universe we created for them.

But the true triumph of Passport Day 2025 lies in its impact. This wasn’t just about geography or vocabulary—it was about understanding. Understanding how English connects us to others, how it bridges cultures, and how it empowers us to be global citizens ready to lead, communicate, and thrive in an interconnected world.

As a language arts teacher, I witnessed transformation. I saw shy students become confident speakers. I saw curious minds light up with excitement. I saw friendships form across house lines and new appreciation blossom for languages and cultures far beyond our own.

Passport Day 2025 was a bold, beautiful journey—one that reminded us all that learning a language is not just about words. It’s about connection, culture, and the courage to explore.

Here’s to our GCF travellers and world-changers. The world is your classroom—keep exploring!

By Mr. Camilo Peña.