St. Luke's students having hands-on fun with their Chinese counterparts.
St. Luke's math teacher Jeff Kress enjoying the food in China.
Amazing Trip to China Awaits
St. Luke’s Upper School students have the chance to travel to China from March 9—17 and visit Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. Registration only open until October 31.
St. Luke’s Mandarin teacher, China-native, and trip chaperone Jingjing Lai said, “Our trip juxtaposes the old and new—where you can experience ancient history and modern life in this wonderfully dynamic country.”
A sample daily itinerary includes a morning visit to the Forbidden City (the largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complex in the world) and Tiananmen Square followed by a traditional Chinese meal and tour of a local neighborhood by rickshaw. The evening would include a spectacular Kung Fu show highlighting one of China’s oldest martial arts.
During our stay in Shanghai, St. Luke’s students will learn about the Chinese education system and practice intercultural communication skills through the Dong Chang School, our Chinese partner school. There will also be an option to stay with a Chinese host family to experience what a typical day is like as part of a Chinese family.
Additional adventures on this trip include visiting the Great Wall, Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an, practicing Taiji exercises and meditation, watching cultural performances, trying new foods, and more.
Jeff Kress, a former leader on the China trip, reflected, “For me, going to China was a ‘trip of a lifetime.’ I met people, saw sights, experienced culture as I never had before, and probably never would have if I hadn't taken the trip. If you go, you'll be places and see things you'll never forget. An outstanding experience.”
Stephen Flachsbart, another former trip leader, added, “It was the most eye-opening and meaningful trip I've ever taken. Visiting our partner school and the various sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City was an amazing experience. The people are friendly and the food is great (especially the fried scorpions—ha!). It was a highlight of my 38-year career to teach Emily Dickinson poems in a Chinese classroom.”
Registration is only open until Wednesday, October 31. For more information and registration, either visit the St. Luke’s Travel Button on the Resource Board or contact the Center for Leadership’s Director of Global Education Beth Yavenditti.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.