G9 Exchange

From Concordian to Shanghai: The 4th G9 Chinese Exchange Program

We successfully organized the 4th Chinese exchange program with the No. 2 High School of East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai, China, from October 15 to 28, 2023. The No. 2 High School is one of the most prestigious top-tier secondary schools in China, renowned for its science program, excellent facilities, and high-achieving students selected nationwide. Ten selected Grade 9 Concordian students studied alongside Chinese students in subject classes taught in Chinese, participated in a daily Chinese cultural course, and explored Shanghai and its surrounding areas on weekends. Two teacher chaperones, Ms. Fang and Kru May, accompanied our students on the trip.

这是我第一次离开父母那么长 时间，虽然这是一个很大的挑 战，但是我觉得这是一个很好 的经历。去上海交流的两个星 期里，我们除了和中国的学生 一起上课以外，还上了文化体 验课。我最喜欢的是茶道。看 着老师优雅的动作，品尝着清 香的绿茶，不禁让我爱上了中 国的茶文化。

Pim

I think that what I got the most was the new friendships that I made and the knowledge of Chinese culture. Some of the cultural features were how they eat, respecting teachers and adults, and many more cultural differences between China and Thailand. Tubtim

在这次的上海游学让我发现中 国的学习环境和泰国的学习气 氛是不一样的。虽然只在中国 住了两个星期，但我能快速融 入到新的环境、交到新朋友。 尽管这是我第一次来上海， 但让我觉得这次的记忆特别难 忘。我非常感谢华东师范大学 给我们的机会，还有两位的老 师Ms. Fang, Kru.May 带我们去。谢 谢老师们！

Janie

This program was an experience that will never be forgotten, it taught me great responsibility following with cooperation with peers and classmates, giving me this opportunity to open up to something new with different cultures as my country made it more unique than others. Puri

这次上海之行可谓是我十四年 来经历的最精彩的两周。我最 大的收获来自知识、文化和朋 友。首先，我在上海结识了许 多朋友，认识到了各种各样的 人，突破了自己的舒适圈，我 也深入体验了书法、茶道和中 医等博大精深的领域。这次上 海交换项目丰富了我的生活， 从一开始的不适应到离开时的 依依不舍。这无疑是我宝贵的 财富，将伴随我一生，最宝贵 的莫过于我在那里交到的朋 友。我真的非常期待他们四月 回访的时候！

Joanne

This exchange program is the most unique experience I’ve ever had. I enjoyed everything we had done for the 2 weeks. No.2 High School of East China Normal University has transferred me plenty of new knowledge and allowed me to immerse myself in Chinese culture. The small trip during the weekend was fun and interesting. I got to learn more about Chinese history and culture, and also explore the heart of Shanghai. I’m extremely looking forward to the Chinese students coming to our school next year.

Choné

I thoroughly enjoyed getting up close and personal with Chinese culture. Whether it was through architecture, interactions with people, or experiencing the thrilling circus performances that set your heart racing, or even discovering surprising talents in classmates who may appear quiet but can perform kung fu flips on stage. Each encounter was a unique and memorable experience.

Maggie

I wouldn’t have imagined that my temporary life as a student in China would have allowed me to gain such insight, not only into their education system but also into the future of living as a somewhat independent student abroad. It has allowed me to learn how to adapt to a different environment: from walking to school, carrying heavy clothes to wash, making new friends and, quite literally, adapting to the cold weather. If I had another chance to experience this again, I would jump at it in a heartbeat.