American students heading to China for a cultural exchange program

Summary

A group of 24 high school students from Washington State embarks on an exciting 11-day cultural exchange trip to China, following an initiative by President Xi Jinping to invite 50,000 students over five years. The students will explore key landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, visit universities, and engage with China's green economy efforts. This opportunity builds on a long-standing relationship between China and the local schools, offering students a chance to foster international understanding and create lasting impacts through cultural exchange.

Takeaways

• 😀 A program launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping invites 50,000 students from around the world to visit China over the next 5 years.
• 😀 A group of 24 students from two Washington State high schools, Stillicum and Lincoln, are part of the program, traveling via Air China.
• 😀 The students' trip to China is a result of a longstanding relationship between China and the Seattle area, dating back to President Xi's 2015 visit.
• 😀 The trip aims to immerse students in Chinese culture, including visiting landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
• 😀 Students will also visit universities, energy companies, and experience China's efforts to create a green economy during their 11-day trip.
• 😀 The students are excited about experiencing different cultures and learning more about China’s history and modern developments.
• 😀 One student expresses the long-term impact of the trip, considering it a significant part of building U.S.-China relations.
• 😀 Mayor Dick Murray of Stillicum is accompanying the students, emphasizing the mutual benefits of cultural exchange.
• 😀 The program aims to change individuals' lives by offering transformative experiences, fostering passion, and not measuring success by money.
• 😀 A music teacher, who has previously traveled with students to China, highlights the role of music in bridging cultural gaps and building relationships.
• 😀 The trip offers students a rare opportunity to engage with China firsthand, helping them to understand and appreciate the country's diversity.

Q & A

What is the significance of the program announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in November?

The program announced by President Xi Jinping during his US visit in November aims to invite 50,000 students to China within the next five years to foster cultural exchange and deepen understanding between China and the United States.

How does President Xi Jinping hope the students will engage with Chinese culture?

President Xi hopes that students will actively participate in various activities with an open mind, experience Chinese culture, taste Chinese food, make Chinese friends, and see a real, three-dimensional and comprehensive China.

What was the impact of Xi Jinping’s visit to the US in 2015 on the relationship between China and the local community?

Xi Jinping’s visit to the US in 2015 helped strengthen the relationship between China and the local community, particularly through educational exchanges like the program that has brought students from Washington State high schools to China.

How many students are involved in this particular trip to China, and which schools are they from?

A total of 24 students from two high schools, Stillicum and Lincoln in Washington State, are part of this trip to China.

Who is accompanying the students on their trip, and what is their role?

Stillicum mayor Dick Murray is accompanying the students on their trip, helping to foster the relationship between China and the United States while ensuring the students’ experience is memorable and educational.

What cultural and historical sites will the students visit in China?

The students will visit iconic cultural and historical sites in China, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, among others.

What are some of the educational aspects of the students' trip beyond sightseeing?

Beyond sightseeing, the students will also visit high schools, universities, and energy companies in China to learn about the country’s emphasis on creating a green economy.

What is one student's perspective on the impact of this trip?

One student expressed excitement about experiencing different cultures and seeing the Great Wall, as well as reflecting on the long-term impact of the trip in fostering ties between China and the United States.

What role does music play in the educational exchange, as mentioned by Eisenhower, the music teacher?

Eisenhower, a music teacher, believes in the power of music to create connections. She has taught her students to sing on the field, highlighting how music can help bridge cultural gaps and facilitate international understanding.

How long will the students' trip to China last, and what is the general itinerary?

The students' trip to China will last 11 days, during which they will visit a variety of sites, including historical landmarks, schools, universities, and energy companies, offering a comprehensive cultural and educational experience.