Cumberland and Lake Trail students experience China through cultural exchange
Students from Cumberland Community School and Lake Trail Community School had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the history, culture and daily life of China during a cultural exchange this past spring.
After approximately 20 hours of travel, the group arrived in Beijing and began a busy itinerary filled with new food, historic sites, school visits and connections with students and families.
One of their first stops was a Beijing high school, where students toured the campus and spent time with their Chinese peers. Although the local students were a few years older, the groups quickly connected while exploring the school, playing basketball and relaxing together in the garden.
The group then visited the Forbidden City. One student described the historic complex as feeling “half the size of Courtenay” after walking through its expansive grounds. Students were struck by the scale of the site and the intricate details found throughout its buildings, roofs, walls and stonework.
The following day brought another highlight: the Great Wall of China. After travelling by bus and taking a gondola to the wall, students had time to explore at their own pace. Some climbed to higher sections, while others stayed behind to take in the view of Beijing in the distance.
On the way back, the group stopped for a buffet and explored a nearby souvenir market, where students tried their hand at bargaining with local vendors. Straw hats and “I Heart Beijing” shirts were among the popular purchases.
The next stage of the journey took the group to Chengdu. When students arrived at the airport, their host families were waiting with signs and gifts before welcoming them into their homes for dinner.
Staying with local families gave each student a different experience of the city. Some visited the Chengdu Natural History Museum or Wuhou Shrine, while others explored Kuan Alley, local shopping areas and the city’s large malls. While their activities differed, the students shared the experience of getting to know their host families and learning about daily life in Chengdu.
The group was also welcomed at a local school with an outdoor assembly attended by approximately 1,000 students. Cumberland and Lake Trail students delivered speeches before joining their hosts for basketball, art, calligraphy and martial arts activities.
Another school visit gave students an opportunity to spend time with younger children. They shared lunch, made fans and bracelets together and answered questions about their homes, schools and lives in the Comox Valley.
A visit to Chengdu’s panda research facility was another eagerly anticipated part of the trip. Students travelled to the upper portion of the facility before walking down through its green, forested grounds. Along the way, they spotted giant pandas, red pandas, peacocks and other animals and took plenty of photographs.
Before leaving Chengdu, students said goodbye to their host families during a farewell ceremony at the school. They spent their final day exploring more of the city before beginning the long journey home through South Korea and Vancouver.
The experience gave students much more than the opportunity to visit famous landmarks. It allowed them to experience another culture firsthand, share everyday life with host families and build connections with students across the world.
