A young four year old from Vijayawada, India is currently going through his first year in The Columbus School as he adapts to Colombian culture and language.

Harsha Jenjeti, moved from Dubai to Medellin this year and is adjusting to academics, language and social skills.

“He is learning through repetition and imitation. We must use visual support and activities in order to communicate better with him,” Liliana Villegas, Harsha’s K4 teacher, said.

For Harsha, the social part of the process hasn’t been difficult due to his sociable personality. Ms. Villegas remarked that he’s noticeably more integrated than other international students she’s had in the past.

“He is happy, extroverted, and makes friends very easily. His ability to adapt is unique,” Ms. Villegas, said.

While Sri Vardhan,  Harsha’s six year old brother is fluent in English, Harsha still struggles with both English and Spanish. He only knows and recognizes  few words in both languages, thus, he turns to imitation and repetition as a tool to help him communicate with friends outside of class.

“When I run, he runs. when I walk he walks. I always look for him, and we meet up,” Miguel Antonio Jaramillo, Harsha’s best friend, noted.  

Learning a second and third language at such a young age has been shown to be advantageous for a person. Harsha Enjeti is below the age of 7, which according to multiple studies, is the stage in which languags are most easily learned.

According to Harvard University, learning a second language at a young age increases creativity and the flexibility of the brain as well as critical thinking.

Additionally, exposing young students to different cultures has been proven to have positive effects on the education. Allowing students to acknowledge and share with people from contrasting backgrounds results on a more pluralistic and tolerant environment.

According to Child Care Education Institute, children become more accepting, and less susceptible to prejudice and racism, as they learn that others can be different and unique and still share many similarities.

Harsha has quickly adapted to his new life according to his teachers and classmates. He’s influenced and surprised people around him during his four months in The Columbus school.

“He’s an amazing student and friend, our class is lucky to have him, seen as he’s learned from us as much as we’ve learned from him,” Ms. Villegas, said.