Concordian Strengthens Partnership with Bashu School, Chongqing, China
Third school added to our Grade 9 Exchange Programs for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
On December 10, 2024, Ms. Min Li, one of the Secondary school principals, visited the prestigious Bashu School in Chongqing, China. This visit marked a milestone in Concordian International School’s collaboration with Bashu, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2023. The visit formalized the establishment of an exchange program set to launch next year.
Bashu School, founded in 1933, is recognized as one of the leading middle and high schools in China and the top-ranked school in Chongqing. Renowned for its excellence in STAM (Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics) competitions.
Bashu achieved the number one ranking in 2024 for Olympiad gold medals in mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and information technology. The school boasts a sprawling 15-acre main campus in downtown Chongqing, accommodating over 10,000 students.
Bashu School holds a high reputation for its academic excellence and well-rounded character education. Each year, approximately 100 students secure admission to Tsinghua University and Peking University, China’s most prestigious institutions, with others gaining entry to leading universities in China and worldwide.
This partnership signifies an exciting opportunity for students from both schools to foster cross-cultural connections and academic collaboration.
Ms. Min Li
Unforgettable Shanghai Experience Grade 9 Exchange Program
In October 2024, 18 students from G9 and 2 teachers participated in a cultural exchange program at No. 2 High School of East China Normal University (ECNUHS) in Shanghai. Over the course of two unforgettable weeks, all of the students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and education.
During the exchange, G9 students attended classes together with the students from ECNUHS, fostering friendships and enhancing their understanding of Chinese culture. The school organized a variety of cultural activities including calligraphy, martial arts, tea ceremonies, etc. These experiences were truly cherished by our G9 students who could appreciate the depth and beauty of traditional Chinese culture firsthand.
On weekends, students and teachers explored Shanghai and its surrounding attractions. We visited iconic landmarks such as the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the classical gardens of Suzhou. These excursions provided G9 students with a deeper understanding of China's rich history and modern development.
Beyond practicing their Chinese language skills, the students formed lasting friendships with their Chinese peers. The exchange program left a profound impression on all participants, making their time in Shanghai a truly memorable experience. This program not only strengthened cultural ties between Thailand and China but also inspired students to continue their language and cultural studies in the future.
Students’ reflections
The Shanghai Exchange was a very eye-opening experience that allowed me to learn more about Chinese culture and lifestyle than if I were to learn from a textbook. In the two weeks that I was there, I took part in their classes and activities and learnt many important life skills, such as self-management and communications skills.
As I and my fellow students who joined me in the trip were in an unfamiliar country and environment, we had to learn to manage ourselves and adapt to the different culture and environment in Shanghai. Communication skills were also a very important aspect of our exchange program.
As a few of the students, myself included, were not as fluent in Chinese, we experienced some trouble with understanding the difference between the Chinese we learnt in class and the language that is used in China. As non-native speakers who were not exposed to the language outside of class, it was much faster and more difficult to understand or interpret in real life.
I really appreciate taking part in this cultural exchange and this experience will be something I will never forget and one that I will always cherish.
G9C Paris
The exchange trip to Shanghai was a magical 2-week experience. We went as exchange students at the No.2 High School of East China Normal University 华东师范大学第二 附属中学 where we learned many interesting subjects (mostly in Chinese) such as English grammar, English literature, Chinese literature, Science, Physics, Chemistry, as well as cultural classes such as Chinese calligraphy, Wushu, and tea education. The food and snacks were delectable. Apart from that, we went to CP shopping mall and 苏州园林 on rest days.
G9I Nina
这次去上海交流给我留下了难忘的印象。对 我来说，在上海的时候我不只是交到很多的新朋 友，直到现在我们还在跟他们保持联系。除此以 外，在上海的时候我也学会了更好地照顾自己的 生活，比如：我们也会去超市买食物，放在冰箱 里，也要看自己的钱够不够，还有自己洗衣服， 这些都是很好的人生经验，让给我提前做好准 备。总之，这次去上海交流不只让我交到了好朋 友，也为自己的未来做好了准备。
G9S Ming 刘名国
这次有幸去上海交换是我的荣幸。在这次旅 途中我学到了很多事情，交到了很多朋友得到了 只在这次交换机会才能得到的友谊。虽然途中有 很多困难，需要重新搭建基础，但是机遇与挑战 并存，在困难中也收获了乐趣，慢慢融入了在上 海的生活。我很高兴学校能给我们这样难得的机 会，期待与华二同学的再次相遇。
G9I Diya 平迪亚
Grade 9 Exchange Program
Keystone Academy Beijing
In the golden autumn of October, the inaugural Beijing Keystone Academy Exchange Program provided G9 students with a unique immersive learning experience. Over the course of 2 weeks, students engaged in cultural exploration, academic discussions, and hands-on activities, gaining a deeper understanding of China’s rich and diverse culture. From traditional calligraphy and Wushu workshops to modern technology and innovation courses, every experience allowed students to appreciate the dynamic blend of tradition and modernity firsthand.
Students’ reflections
到了北京鼎石学校后，我对北 京及其文化有了新的认识。第 一天，我真的很害怕，不习 惯这里的文化、天气和人，但 随着时间的推移，我真的很喜 欢这里的学习方式。我参加的 所有旅行都增加了我对北京历 史的了解，让我以不同的方式 看待北京。但在这个年龄经历 这一切可以让我为未来做好准 备。感谢两位老师如此悉心照 顾我们，这次旅行对我来说是 一次很好的经历。
在北京，除了学习之外，我也 了解到了北京的历史和文化。 从万里长城到故宫、天坛，我 感受到了中国千年的历史。我 想感谢鼎石的朋友和老师们， 他们每天带我们到不同的教 室，让我们很快适应了这里的 生活。他们安排各种各样让我 们学习到中国文化的活动。我 也使用了中文和中国人交流， 提高了我的中文水平。我会永 远都记住这次交换的经历。 Yangkwan
This exchange program has allowed me to experience things I rarely, or never, had the chance to experience before. I learned how to be a more responsible person by managing more responsibilities than I did in Thailand. I also managed to learn more about China, since I had never been here before. I learned about Chinese architecture and culture, as well as the history of China, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City. I also learned some Chinese traditions such as tea ceremonies or Chinese art.
Bob
我最喜欢的活动是学习泡茶、 武术、中国画和包饺子，这是 我第一次体验中国文化。这次 交换让我学会了独立生活，如 洗衣、整理房间和管理时间。 在这里学习很有挑战，每位学 生都需努力平衡 11 门课程。我也 结识了许多新朋友，并了解了 不同的性格。我很钦佩 Keystone 的学生，他们不仅勤奋学习， 还能独立生活，这与我的生活 方式截然不同。
Pingping
This Beijing trip was unforgettable. Initially, I dreaded it and complained, but I soon realized that challenges help us grow. I made new friends, exchanged cultures, and improved academically and socially. Though I once wanted to go home, now I wish to stay. Huge thanks to Kru Amy, Ms. Jennifer, and Keystone for this amazing experience!
Kenny
我报名北京交换项目是为了探 索中国文化、体验不同的学习 方式并提高中文。在鼎石，我 受到了热情欢迎，大家友善且 乐于助人。我参观了长城、故 宫和天坛，收获了独立生活技 能。这次经历让我成长，也留 下了难忘的回忆。
Melody