An immersive experience in language and culture

Visiting the most populous city in the world is overwhelming for anyone, but a group of Auckland students took it all in their stride when they were there for ten days in September.

14 students from Bucklands Beach Intermediate and some from neighbouring schools explored Shanghai, attended school and experienced everyday Chinese family life in the homes of fellow students, who had visited them in Auckland one month prior.

Bucklands Beach Intermediate School principal Diane Parkinson accompanied the students to China and says the experience, which happens every year, is a meaningful one.

“We have big goals for our students - we want them to be empathetic, resilient and independent learners. This trip really ticks those boxes for us,” she says.

“It’s also about providing an exciting and challenging learning experience. A homestay arrangement allows the students to fully experience a different way of life and make connections with another family.”

A longstanding connection has now been forged between the Auckland schools and Yuyao Experimental School in Zhejiang Province, which is a small international school within a much larger one with a student population of around 4,500.

“It’s a very different school day there,” explains Diane.

“Class starts at 7.30am and they’re picked up to go home at 6.30pm. During the day all the children eat lunch together in a cafeteria and our students enjoy trying the very different food!”

“They’re introduced to cultural activities like painting and knot tying, and also take part in maths, history and sport with their ‘buddy’ students.

Pigeon Mountain Primary School sent four children on the exchange this year, and principal Ian Dickinson says the trip strengthens ties with the local community. 47% of Pigeon Mountain students identify as Chinese.

“It was a huge eye opener to experience what education is like in another culture, but it’s also hugely beneficial for our teachers who accompany them,” says Ian.

“It gives the teachers a valuable insight into Chinese culture for when they come back to Howick. I think our school community appreciates that we have these strong connections.”

Like Diane, Ian says the trip reinforces the school’s values and helps realise important learning goals.

“It’s tough, especially for primary students, to be away from family for ten days, in a country where few people speak your language. So they really practice resilience, open-mindedness and responsibility for themselves,” he says.

Language learning is important, too.

Pigeon Mountain Primary is part of cluster of local schools who share a Mandarin resource teacher through the Ministry-funded ALLis programme, and all students have weekly lessons.

But it is perhaps the homestay experience that is the most meaningful.

“The ongoing connections made with families are really rich ones,” says Ian. “The generosity with which our children are welcomed in China is unsurpassed. The families go to unbelievable lengths to welcome us.”

Student voices

Learning outcomes