See the original post: Inaugural Event for International Student Exchange Programme
On 27 September, the Inaugural Event for WASHZ International Exchange Programme was successfully held. Officers from the Xiaoshan District Education Bureau and Daicun Town Government, along with representatives from Wycombe Abbey International School Group, attended the event. Together with faculty and pupil representatives from WASHZ, they witnessed this significant moment in international educational collaboration.
In recent years, China has been promoting the strategy of rejuvenating the nation through science and education, advocating for educational openness and international educational collaboration. Hence, the “Shangxue Xiaoshan” brand has been developed, aiming to create an external environment that values education, strengthen an internal atmosphere that esteems academia, and build a superior educational ecosystem.
T. Zhu and O. Zheng, two pupil representatives from WASHZ, co-hosted the inaugural event, and the event commenced with a rendition of “Light Years Away” sung in Chinese by exchange student Zoë Capps.
Hongdan Chen, the Secretary of the Party Committee of Daicun Town in Xiaoshan District, mentioned that the Daicun Town has always embraced changes with an open attitude and has consistently explored strengthening ties with the international community in the educational field. She pointed out that the exchange programme marks a significant milestone in Daicun Town’s journey towards globalisation, providing local students with a multi-faceted and comprehensive educational experience, and bringing more international perspectives to local education.
Guoyou Zhang, member of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of the Xiaoshan District Education Bureau, emphasised that “Shangxue Xiaoshan” is not just an educational brand but a strategic plan to build Xiaoshan District into a leading educational stronghold. He noted that the exchange programme would provide a platform for interaction between Chinese and foreign students, fostering talents through cultural integration for global competition.
Mr. Yue Shi, Vice President of Wycombe Abbey International School Group, described the exchange programme as a “breath of fresh air” in today’s international environment. He stressed that the bridge of cultural exchange requires the first solid steps from young people in both China and the UK. He expressed his heartfelt wishes that the exchange students would truly experience the profound heritage nurtured by this cultural soil.
Mr. Nick Thomas, Director of the British Council in China, also sent his best wishes for the exchange programme through a video message on behalf of the UK government.
Meanwhile, the exchange students have formed close friendships with their peers at WASHZ. At the end of the event, the ten exchange students and ten Chinese pupils went on stage to exchange books, symbolising the transfer of culture and ideas, as well as the forging of friendships and connections.
Over the next two years, the international exchange students will live and study at WASHZ. This cross-cultural journey will not only bring critical thinking and an international perspective but also instil in future leaders a mindset of inclusiveness, openness, and understanding. Through educational collaboration, a win-win scenario will truly become the reality.
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