Students from Beijing Academy participated in a cultural exchange program at Glen Rock High School from Sept. 28 to Oct. 9. They engaged in a variety of activities including shadowing students, seminars, and trips outside of Glen Rock.
The students spent a majority of their time shadowing their hosts in class. Outside of the school day, the Beijing Academy students engaged with their host families by participating in after school activities. They had meals with their families and some even went to places like New York City and the Jersey Shore.
The Glen Rock students “showed them around town and just hung out,” according to 10th grade student, Kadence Chang.
When the exchange students weren’t attending their hosts’ classes, they were participating in seminars run by Glen Rock High School teachers.
Mr. Morelli, the Assistant Principal of Glen Rock High School helped to plan the exchange trip while also participating said, “During the day, we had different types of classes for them that were specific focused for their special interests as visitors to the United States.”
The seminars focused on a variety of topics including pizza making, a crash course on the American Revolution, and lessons on the college admissions process. The school also reserved a choir room after school to allow Beijing students to explore their musical interests.
Many Glen Rock hosts also participated in the trip to Beijing Academy earlier in the year, allowing them to experience both sides of the exchange program.
Matilda Dave is a sophomore at Glen Rock High School that participated in the trip to Beijing last year. She got the opportunity to engage with students at Beijing Academy in their school before welcoming them to Glen Rock.
“A cultural exchange is a great program, and it’s just so impactful and important to do,” Dave said.
