On November 19th, ten Convent & Stuart Hall students studying Mandarin embarked on an unforgettable journey to Chengdu, China, opening their minds to new cultures and experiences. The school trip, organized as part of the 2023 Chengdu-U.S. Sister Cities Youth Debate Challenge, aimed to fully immerse students into Chinese culture and strengthen their Mandarin fluency.
The heart of Chengdu welcomed our students with open arms. From the vibrant street markets to the Chengdu Museum, every corner of the city spoke volumes about its rich cultural heritage. Students had the opportunity to interact with locals, sample authentic Sichuan cuisine, and witness traditional performances.
Some of the leading catalysts for truly embracing Chinese traditions were hands-on activities such as bamboo weaving and fan-making. Through learning these crafts, students were provided with a gateway to understanding the rich historical traditions and artistic expressions embedded in Chinese culture. “The bamboo weaving was incredibly difficult,” remarked sophomore Conner Lee, “Once I finished, I felt very accomplished and understood the intensive labor that goes into every bamboo woven item.”
Transitioning from the immersive cultural experiences of bamboo weaving and fan-making, the students’ journey took a delightful turn with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a highlight of the trip for most.
Students marveled at the adorable pandas and learned about the crucial conservation efforts in place to protect this endangered species. “The pandas were so cute,” said Conner Lee, “Experiencing them in person has left an everlasting reminder about the importance of wildlife conservation.”
A key aspect of the trip was the exchange program with a local school. Students engaged in cultural exchanges and collaborative activities. This interaction facilitated a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western education systems and culture. “One of my favorite parts of the 2023 China trip was being able to meet new people,” said sophomore Charlotte Gesell, “The exchange program with the local high school was a great way to do so.”
In the final stretch of the trip four Convent & Stuart Hall students participated in 2023 Chengdu-U.S. Sister Cities Youth Debate Challenge consisting of several teams from the United States Sister Cities as well as from schools throughout Chengdu.
The debate tournament was a thrilling experience that showcased the intellectual skill of debaters. It also allowed debaters to form strong bonds with students from other schools. “The debate tournament promoted a sense of friendship between Chinese and American students,” said sophomore Julian Ray, “As teams engaged in debates on pressing current issues, the vibrant atmosphere continued beyond the debating rooms.”
The school trip to Chengdu was not just a geographical journey but a cultural exploration. It instilled a sense of appreciation for Chinese culture among the participating students. As they returned home, the memories of Chengdu lingered, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of international experiences.