Bridging vast distances for a meaningful connection, Hübschmann·Zhan School welcomed a delegation of teachers and students from Les Chartreux, France, on June 25, marking the official commencement of a friendly exchange program between Chinese and French students. Prior to this in-person visit, our Grade 6 students had engaged in multiple online video exchanges with their French peers. This digital foundation made their face-to-face meeting exceptionally special, and our students welcomed their long-distance friends with immense warmth and enthusiasm.

Ms. Charlene, the Cooperation Attaché of the Consulate General of France in Shenyang, honored the welcoming ceremony with her presence. In her address, she shared her bright visions for the future development of friendly exchanges between Chinese and French schools. She emphasized that the consulate will continue to build communication platforms, support ongoing interactions between the two nations, and help sustain this valuable friendship. Following the ceremony, students from Les Chartreux delivered a captivating choral performance. Through the universal language of music, the youth of both countries forged a deep bond, filling the campus with a warm spirit of sincere friendship.

Following the ceremony, students from Les Chartreux joined our Grade 8 classes for an immersive cultural exchange. Together, they participated in engaging, specialized courses, sharing insights into their academic journeys and discussing cultural nuances. A variety of interactive games effectively bridged the cultural gap, enabling students to foster deeper mutual understanding through teamwork and communication, thereby achieving a profound integration across languages and cultures.

Beyond classroom learning, the students from both nations immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture, experiencing firsthand the charm of intangible cultural heritage and folklore. They tried their hands at traditional crafts such as creating sugar paintings, weaving bamboo wind chimes, and wrapping dumplings. Through this hands-on practice, they connected deeply with the texture of traditional customs, gaining a profound appreciation for the rich and extensive heritage of Chinese culture. This experience not only offered the French students an in-depth understanding of unique Chinese traditions but also bolstered our own students' cultural confidence, inspiring them to serve as proud young ambassadors for Sino-foreign cultural exchange.

The two-day exchange program was both enriching and memorable, cultivating a deep cross-border friendship in a short span of time. At the farewell ceremony, students expressed their reluctant goodbyes and exchanged heartfelt blessings. Although the gathering was brief, the bonds formed will endure, and everyone looks forward to future reunions and continued collaboration. We eagerly anticipate writing new chapters in the story of international friendship and exchange in the years to come!