From Strangers to Friends – Haruka and Alba’s Summer School Story
By Rebecca Jenkins
Every summer, something special happens at British Summer School. Young learners from around the world come together not only to improve their English and try exciting new activities, but to also build friendships that last long after the summer ends.
For 13-year-olds Haruka from Japan and Alba from Spain, that’s exactly what happened. They met their first year at our Worth School campus, during a football activity, and something just clicked. One year later, they’re not only back at summer school together - but they’ve also become great friends.
A Friendship That Started on the Football Pitch
“We met during a football activity last year and we just started talking,” said Haruka. It was a simple moment, but sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Even though Haruka and Alba came from different countries and spoke different native languages, they found they had a lot in common. They quickly became close during their time on campus, bonding over shared experiences in class and in activities.
“We spoke every day since we met,” Haruka said. “We kept in touch since last year over WhatsApp.”
That bond stayed strong all year, even across thousands of kilometres.
Reunited at Worth
Haruka and Alba then made the decision to return to our Worth School campus together. From the moment they arrived, it was like no time had passed at all.
“The most difficult thing about being friends is not seeing each other every day,” said Alba. That’s why a summer school experience can be so meaningful - they had three full weeks to spend together again, from morning lessons to evening activities.
“I really love this summer school,” both girls said. “I love my class,” they added, smiling.
Their friendship brought a bright energy to campus. They encouraged each other, supported their classmates, and helped create a warm, welcoming environment for everyone around them.
A Summer That Leads to More
But their time at Worth isn’t the end of the story.
“When we finish these three weeks, she’s living with me in Spain,” Alba shared.
“It will be my first time in Spain,” Haruka said, excited for the new experience.
Summer school is more than just a holiday - it's a chance to continue their friendship, explore another culture, and create even more memories together. It’s also a wonderful example of what British Summer School can offer: not just academic learning, but real-life, global friendships.
Why International Friendships Matter
Haruka and Alba’s story shows how important international friendships can be, especially at a young age. By meeting people from different countries, students begin to see the world through new eyes.
International friendships help students:
Become more open-minded – learning how others think and live
Build confidence – using English to communicate with people from around the world
Practice empathy – understanding different perspectives and cultures
Strengthen social skills – through teamwork, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations
Develop global awareness – becoming curious about languages, traditions, and new ideas
These life skills are just as valuable as classroom learning and they often begin with something as simple as a shared game, a group project, or a friendly chat between classes.
A Story That Inspires
As Haruka and Alba head off to Spain together after summer school, their story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when young people from around the world come together.
They met by chance at our Worth School campus, and now they’re planning future adventures, learning from each other, and proving that real friendships can cross any distance.
At British Summer School, we’re proud to help make these connections happen, and to give students from all backgrounds the chance to grow, explore, and make memories they’ll treasure forever.