Pupils at two Letchworth schools have been getting to know some of their overseas counterparts during three-week exchange visits.

The Comet: A joint class of pupils from Unison World School in India and Letchworth's St Francis' College.A joint class of pupils from Unison World School in India and Letchworth's St Francis' College. (Image: Archant)

Sixteen girls and two teachers from Unison World School, based in Dehradun in northern India, got first-hand experience of the UK while staying at St Francis’ College.

Fearnhill School separately welcomed 12 Spanish students from Vigo, near the Portuguese border. The visitors to Fearnhill stayed with families while those at St Francis’ boarded at the school.

St Francis’ headmistress Bronwen Goulding said: “It was a great joy to welcome back our Unison World School visitors and to reacquaint ourselves with old friends.”

The Comet: The Spanish exchange students mix with some of their Fearnhill counterparts.The Spanish exchange students mix with some of their Fearnhill counterparts. (Image: Archant)

The Spanish teenagers at Fearnhill enjoyed a scavenger hunt around Letchworth and also visited London and Cambridge.

At St Francis’, the girls from India gave an insight into their culture, performing dances, sharing cooking tips and giving lessons on the Hindi language and Hindu religion. They visited Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, York Minster, King’s College Chapel in Cambridge and more.

A St Francis’ spokeswoman said: “The girls have formed friendships which wil continue to flourish across the continents.”

The Comet: Unison World School pupils at Letchworth's Broadway Studio and Gallery.Unison World School pupils at Letchworth's Broadway Studio and Gallery. (Image: Archant)

A party from St Francis’ is set for a return trip to India next year.