exchange program

Middle Schoolers Visit WFLMS Buddies, Enjoy Sightseeing Adventures on Trip to China

This article originally appeared in the summer 2014 Harker Quarterly.

China has taken on a new relevance for 20 middle school students, who in early April spent an action-packed week touring and meeting with their buddies at the World Foreign Language Middle School (WFLMS), Harker’s sister school in Shanghai.

Upon their arrival in China, the students were warmly welcomed at the Pudong International Airport by their pals from WFLMS, upper school dean and chaperone Kevin Williamson recalled. From there, they hopped on a bus for the short drive into the city to meet their host families. Then, they experienced a full day of school, “WFLMS style,” he said.

The students’ time at WFLMS ended with a touching farewell party and dinner.

The tour of Beijing included a moving visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the Great Wall of China. After taking a ski lift to the top of the mountain, the group entered the wall. Students took many photos of the renowned structure and were thrilled to enjoy a fun toboggan ride back down the mountain.

July 16, 2014Tags: exchange program, Global Education, middle school, Shanghai, travel, trip, WFLMS

Friendly Reunions and Cultural Discoveries on Annual Japan Trip

This article originally appeared in the summer 2014 Harker Quarterly.

In May 23 Harker middle school students headed to Japan to meet their Tamagawa buddies, view the country’s many signature sights and more. The students’ first stop was Harker’s sister school, Tamagawa Academy (K-12) & University in Tokyo, where they were greeted warmly by Tamagawa families and treated to performances by students.

Over the next few days, Harker students – who stayed with Tamagawa families – spent time with their buddies and enjoyed various on-campus activities, such as visiting classes, touring the facilities and even seeing a beehive up close.

After saying goodbye to their buddies, the Harker group boarded a bullet train to Kyoto, where they visited many of the city’s most famous landmarks. They also traveled to Miyajima Island and Peach Memorial Park.

On their final day in Japan, the students visited the Monkey Park in Gion, where they enclosed themselves in small huts to feed the monkeys.

July 16, 2014Tags: exchange program, Global Education, Japan, Tamagawa, travel, trip

Tag: exchange program

Middle Schoolers Visit WFLMS Buddies, Enjoy Sightseeing Adventures on Trip to China

Friendly Reunions and Cultural Discoveries on Annual Japan Trip