Year of the Snake: Welcoming the Spring and Heading to the US for Cultural Exchange

During the winter vacation, the delegation of teachers and students from the High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University, led by Secretary Xu Jianyong, traveled to the U.S. to participate in the Muscatine Youth Forum and visit their sister schools. 

The Muscatine Youth Forum is a people-to-people initiative  organized by the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, the Sarah Lande Education Foundation, the Muscatine - China Friendship Committee and other organizations. It aims to promote two-way exchanges among Chinese and American youths, and is a positive response to President Xi Jinping's statement that "the hope of China - US relations lies with the people, the foundation is at the grassroots level, and the future lies with the youth". Muscatine High School visited our school in April 2024. Through the exchange and interaction between the youth of the two schools, mutual understanding and friendship were strengthened. This time, our school was especially invited to the United States to participate in the Muscatine Youth Forum and the Spring Festival exchange activities. 

Stepping into the banquet hall on the sixth floor of the Merrill Hotel, a unique Chinese New Year party came into view. The character "Fu" was hung high, the paper-cut window decorations glowed red, the Year of the Snake mascots were lively and lovely, and the cute panda holding a sign that said "NI HAO CHINA" instantly brought the strong flavor of Chinese New Year to the other side of the ocean. At the opening ceremony of the event, Sarah Lanti, a friend who received the visit of Xi Jinping, the then - secretary of the Zhengding County Party Committee of Hebei Province, in 1985, enthusiastically took the stage and delivered a speech: "It is undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the Year of the Snake with so many young people from China and the United States." Her words were like a warm current, flowing in the hearts of every participant, adding more warmth to this cross-country gathering.

Photo: Our delegation with Mrs. Sarah Lande in Muscatine

Model UN Debates Showcase Brilliance, Youthful Exchanges Shape the World

In the subsequent two-day Muscatine Youth Forum, the students quickly got into the spirit and delved into various professional committees in the form of a Model United Nations conference. The representatives from various countries were dressed in smart formal attire, with focused and determined eyes. As soon as the topics were raised, the atmosphere was instantly ignited. Intense discussions were carried out round after round on global issues such as ensuring the political representation of indigenous communities and eradicating the use of child soldiers. During the speaking session, the representatives elaborated on the positions of their respective countries in an orderly manner, with rigorous logic and clear organization. Every word they said demonstrated their profound insight into international affairs. Li Yinuo and Sun Can, students from our school, won the Best Delegate Award for their outstanding performances. Sun Can could hardly conceal his excitement, saying, "The moment I heard my name, joy welled up in my heart like a tidal wave. This honor is not only an affirmation of my personal efforts but also the result of teamwork. It witnesses my growth, from being ignorant about international affairs to being able to analyze them in depth and speak out actively. It is the driving force for my progress, making me deeply understand that hard work will surely pay off in the field I love. It is also a heavy responsibility, reminding me that on the international stage, every word I say matters for the future of the world."

Photos: Youth Forum Kickoff Ceremony

Photos: Sub-forum Activities

Photos: Award-winning Students with Instructors

Searching for Old Memories in the Friendship House, Gathering on Campus to Discuss the Future

After the forum, the students, carrying carefully selected gifts from China, had warm exchanges with their American friends, further deepening the friendship formed during the youth forum. The teachers and students were also invited to visit the China–U.S. Friendship House (also known as the Friendship Memorial). This ordinary residence at 2911 Bonnie Street bears a heavy history—it was where President Xi Jinping stayed during his first visit to the United States in 1985. The simple and warm furnishings silently testify to the profound and long-standing friendship between China and the United States.

Photo: Mr. Dan Stein, Director of the China–U.S. Friendship House

Photo: Visit to the China–U.S. Friendship House

Subsequently, Muscatine High School welcomed our teachers and students with warm cheers. On the campus, Chinese and American students shared every detail of their studies and lives without reservation and participated in club activities such as basketball and bowling together. In the midst of laughter and joy, the distance between their hearts grew closer. After Muscatine High School’s visit to our school on April 18, 2024, this return visit further advanced our friendship.

Photos: Instructors with Muscatine High School’s Principal and Parent Representatives

Photos: Student Interaction on Campus

Photos: Muscatine High School Students

Photos: Visit to the Stanley Center in Muscatine

Strolling Through a Renowned School; Round-Table Dialogues on History

On January 26, the teachers and students visited The Lawrenceville School, one of the top boarding schools in the United States. This school, with its long history and outstanding academic reputation, left a deep impression on the group. As soon as they entered the campus, they stepped onto stone-paved paths; dark-red brick walls contrasted with snow-covered grounds. The beautiful campus provides an ideal learning and living environment for students.

Photo: Campus of The Lawrenceville School

The rich and comprehensive campus facilities of The Lawrenceville School amazed the teachers and students. The overall design creates a family-like atmosphere. From the principal to dormitory staff, many work and live on campus, promoting close connections among students. There are various professional sports venues and fitness centers, along with dedicated living and rest spaces. All subjects are taught in specialized classrooms; art rooms come in different sizes and styles; spacious, bright physics classrooms connect directly to laboratories. Displays inside and outside classrooms present student and faculty research topics. As our group walked the corridors, local students greeted them warmly.

Photo: Campus Tour at The Lawrenceville School

After the tour, students split into groups and entered different classes to experience the Harkness teaching method. In history class, they held round-table discussions on topics related to the Opium War. Bringing perspectives different from their Western peers and drawing on their understanding of history, the Chinese students actively shared views, offered useful suggestions, and won recognition from local teachers and students—demonstrating strong critical-thinking and communication skills.

Photo: Instructors Exchange Gifts with Lawrenceville Teachers

During lunch, the teachers and students experienced DIY lunch in the cafeteria, making hamburgers and salads by themselves, and had friendly exchanges with the American students.

Elegant Rhymes in a Texas School to Celebrate the Spring Festival, Lively Songs on the Green Field to Foster Friendship

On February 1, the delegation visited International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) for a friendly exchange. The school is a partner in our Sino–U.S. high-school program. At the start, the principal offered a warm welcome and organized a group photo. A grand Spring Festival celebration followed in the auditorium. ILTexas students showcased their love for Chinese culture through singing, cello performances, lion dancing, and martial arts. Near the end, our students Chen Jieting and Shen Chuyue were invited to improvise on stage, performing Blue and White Porcelain with classical dance. Although a bit nervous at first, they completed the performance to enthusiastic applause.

Photos: Welcome and Group Photo at the Airport

Photo: Martial-Arts Performance by ILTexas Students

Photo: Performance by Our Students at the Evening Event

Photo: Instructors with Event Hosts

After the show, the delegation toured the campus. The ILTexas motto, “Put Others First,” left a deep impression, and the strong Chinese cultural presence on campus reflected the school’s emphasis on multicultural education.

Photo: Learning Cards on the Wall of the Chinese Classroom (ILTexas)

During lunchtime, Chinese and American students sat together and exchanged contact information, laying the foundation for future exchanges. In the afternoon, the principal introduced the curriculum to visiting teachers, and students played friendly volleyball and soccer matches. Sports became a bridge across language and cultural differences; everyone cooperated, had fun, and deepened their friendships. Through cultural performances, campus tours, lunchtime conversations, and athletic activities, students experienced the charm of different cultures, forged lasting bonds, and broadened their international horizons. The ILTexas principal remarked, "We hope to continue in-depth cooperation with the High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University to create more cross-cultural opportunities for students."

Photos: Lunch in the ILTexas Cafeteria

Exchanging Small Gifts

Midday Volleyball

Group Photo with ILTexas Teachers and Students

During this exchange trip to the United States, the teachers and students of our school actively spread excellent Chinese traditional culture, told vivid Chinese stories to American youths, and fully demonstrated the elegance of Chinese culture. At the same time, the teachers and students further understood American education and culture, experienced unique learning activity models, broadened their international horizons, and enhanced their cross-cultural communication skills. Chinese and American youths formed deep friendships in the exchange activities, jointly writing a beautiful chapter of US exchanges.

Photos: Visit to the University of Chicago

Photos: Visit to Electronic Arts (EA)

Photos: Visit to Columbia University

Photos: Visit to Stanford University