Benenden Student Exchange Programme
15 Nov 2024
"The architecture of Chen's Lineage Hall is stunning."
"We tried hotpot and it was revolutionary!"
"I’ve enjoyed my time with the younger BBSG students; they are so cute."
Over the past two weeks, BBSG welcomed four exchange students from Benenden School in the UK. They came to BBSG for a 10-day exchange programme focused on language learning and cultural exploration after studying Chinese at Benenden and being motivated by their interest in Chinese culture.
This exchange also marks the first student exchange programme between BBSG and Benenden School. As students eventually met in person, our BBSG students warmly welcomed their guests, guiding them through BBSG's vibrant learning environment and introducing them to the rich culture of Southern China.
Engaging Classroom Experiences
Benenden School is renowned for its complete education approach, which nurtures well-rounded academic development. Guided by this philosophy, BBSG aims to provide a future-ready complete education through a comprehensive curriculum.
For this exchange programme, BBSG teachers created a diverse range of personalised courses for the four girls, including Chinese language classes at various levels, calligraphy, STEAM, sports, drama, visual arts, and optional enrichment activities, offering an immersive experience of BBSG's educational ethos.
Although the Benenden students had seen photos of BBSG's development, nothing could compare to experiencing it in person. “The theatre and performance facilities are incredible, and the pool and water sports are fantastic!”
During their first week, the students fulfilled their wish to attend a basketball class—an experience they never had at Benenden. They also participated in a badminton masterclass led by Ms. Yang Wei, the former Olympic women’s doubles champion. One Benenden student reflected, "Learning from an Olympic champion is a rare opportunity, and I think BBSG students are really brave to play against such a professional athlete."
In class, BBSG teachers and students warmly welcomed their "new" classmates, teaming up with the Benenden girls in Chinese lessons to help them understand assignments. The four girls impressed everyone with their exceptionally neat handwriting. "The classes are highly engaging, and I feel I can freely express my ideas," one of them shared.
Role Model for Younger Students
One unexpected benefit of this exchange programme was the strong friendships formed between the Benenden students and our younger students at BBSG. The younger students’ cheerful "Hellos" on the first day won the hearts of our guests. One Benenden student remarked, “At Benenden, our youngest students are in Year 7, so we don’t typically see such young children at school. They’re absolutely adorable!”
As the oldest students at BBSG, the girls assisted in primary classrooms and evening study sessions, helping younger students with their tasks. This was a great bonding opportunity, as the younger students were inspired by role models who were committed to learning and exploration. The friendships they developed made their farewells even more bittersweet.
A Taste of Chinese Tradition
This was the first trip to China for these four British girls. Some had been learning Chinese for four years, while others hoped to explore Asian cultures further through their studies. Experiencing life in China firsthand and participating in cultural activities they had only read about or seen on screens became the highlight of their journey.
A memorable experience was visiting Chen's Lineage Hall. “The architecture was beautiful and provided insights into history. Seeing the Canton Tower lit up at night was also breathtaking.”
As a city with over two thousand years of history and home to the century-old Canton Fair, they experienced both the modern and ancient sides of Guangzhou.
The girls explored iconic locations such as Yongqingfang, Baomo Garden, and the Canton Tower and enjoyed a night cruise on the Pearl River.
However, the most thrilling experience was undoubtedly the hotpot meal. “It was revolutionary! We had so much fun!” We look forward to more opportunities to explore cultures together, sharing the rich history and traditions of both our countries.
Embrace New Experiences
In January 2025, a group of BBSG students will travel to Benenden in the UK for a two-week exchange programme. The Benenden girls unanimously encouraged their peers to maintain an open mind and embrace new experiences to fully enjoy the opportunity. This was their key takeaway after ten days at BBSG.
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Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. No one will laugh at you.
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During our first Chinese class, both the teachers and students spoke very quickly, and I struggled to comprehend most of what they said. So, I asked them to repeat it. Now I’m starting to understand more words during lessons.
Being immersed in a language environment is the quickest way to improve. Our vocabulary and expressions have grown significantly during this period.
By stepping out of their comfort zones and travelling to China for an independent exchange programme, the Benenden students left a lasting impression at BBSG and created cherished memories of growth alongside their new friends. This exchange marks an exciting beginning for deeper collaboration between the two schools. As more students participate in these exchanges, we hope they will broaden their international perspectives, enhance their understanding of global cultures, make new friends, enjoy diverse learning experiences, and develop into the best versions of themselves.
