Read the original post: International Students Integrate into the WASHZ Community
International student Zoë Capps vividly described her mood before coming to China. She has always been extremely interested in China and Chinese culture, and the Wycombe Abbey International Scholarship was an opportunity she couldn’t miss.
In September 2024, after a rigorous selection process that included academic performance, extracurricular activities, and a personal interview, ten international students joined WASHZ, starting the most crucial two years of their high school.
Among all the international students, George Miao has the deepest connection with China. He grew up in a Chinese family in the UK, listening to his father talk about Chinese culture.
“Busy” is the most common feeling among international students after coming to WASHZ. They have participated in various activities organised by the school, such as practising traditional martial arts, visiting cultural heritage projects and touring famous scenic spots, trying their best to embrace the impacts and surprises brought by the new environment. In the Chinese classes taught by Bruce Jia, the WASHZ Chinese principal, the students felt the unique artistic side of Chinese culture through characters and poems.
International student Dean Proffitt’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the WASHZ experience. His participation in the ASEEDER Asian Business Simulation in early November marked a significant milestone. Despite never having participated in a competition outside of school in the UK, Dean and his teammates emerged successfully, clinching the second prize after intense competition against hundreds of opponents.
In late December, Dean will represent WASHZ and participate in the Model United Nations conference held in Shanghai. He receives weekly training with his teammates, during which he enjoys the critical thinking associated with the sessions.
As a performing art student, Zoë has unleashed her musical and artistic talents at WASHZ. At the scholarship programme’s inaugural event, her singing astonished the audience. On the AbbeyFest stage, she delivered three performances that amazed everyone. Now, she serves as the lead singer of the school band and helps with the preparations for the annual musical performance.
It is worth mentioning that Zoë also has the opportunity to help WASHZ KG with their language education. She enters the kindergarten classroom every Monday and Thursday to help teach the children phonics and reading.
“It’s a mix of international students and also Chinese students. I find the Chinese students’ language really good in English so I was really surprised. It’s been really nice getting to know them and every single time that I walk into the class now they are like ‘Miss Zoë!’ and it’s really nice to see them so happy.”
Although there is still some time before university applications, the international students have set their goals.
Dean’s hometown is not far from Manchester, so one of his ideal universities is the University of Manchester, but he also said:
“If I could, I would like to aim high, like Oxford, Cambridge, or Imperial College London.”
Dean has reasons to be confident. He has chosen four A-Level subjects: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Business, and Geography, achieving excellent results of double A* and double A in his latest tests.
Dean believes that the teaching methods at WASHZ have many similarities with those in his old school in the UK, which has accelerated his adaptation process.
“I feel like it’s very interactive, so you are always able to give your opinions on things and ask questions whenever possible, so it helps you understand it further, which was similar to my old school in the UK.”
George added that the teachers always respond promptly when he needs help after class, and his post-exam review significantly improves his academic performance.
When asked about the university he wants to attend the most, he immediately answered “Imperial College London”.
Extracurricular activities (ECA), another important part of the holistic education at WASHZ, have left a deep impression on the international students.
WASHZ offers more than 200 ECAs covering sports, arts, and academia.
George and Dean chose horse riding and fencing, respectively. Although these two sports are pretty popular in the UK, they both said that they had yet to experience them before. ECAs allow them to develop their interests and expand their growth path.
International students revealed that only a few days left until the deadline when they learned about the scholarship programme for the first time. Making a decision that may affect one’s life in a short time requires great determination and courage, but it turns out they made the right bet.
For other pupils at WASHZ, this is also an excellent learning opportunity. Through the international students, these pupils better understand the world, and the impact of Chinese and Western thinking has empowered them with new critical thinking skills.
Zoë said that she hopes to take this opportunity to make connections between China and the UK. Every international student and every WASHZ pupil who is about to go abroad has unknowingly become a “diplomat” to promote friendship and deepen understanding.
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