BOHS — The melting pot for education
During the summer, the BOHS science department welcomed students from China for the New Oriental Global Study Tour, an exchange program dedicated to introducing Chinese students into American education and culture. Exchange students, ranging from seventh to twelfth grade, were led through stations which featured science-related activities as well as bonding with BOHS students for five weeks, from July 5 to Aug. 8.
“It’s not about the education, but the social interactions between the students,” Wade Cormier, chemistry teacher and program coordinator, said. “[The exchange students] enjoyed the activities, and Brea students [also] loved it.”
This is the second year BOHS has hosted the Chinese students. The program offers activities involving demonstrations based on biology, chemistry, and physics. Hands-on-learning activities, such as building rockets, cooking s’mores, and chemical lab reactions occurred during the weekdays while the Chinese students visited tourist destinations like Disneyland and Universal Studios during the weekends. Cormier noted that the program inspired him to “broaden the educational system for foreign students.”
Chinese students stayed for two weeks at BOHS, with a new group arriving every week. Each group rotated from 50 students every week to 90 students the next, with a total of 200 students participating in the exchange program. Despite a language barrier, the students from both countries thoroughly enjoyed the chance to mingle throughout the five week long program.
“Quite a lot of them knew a fair amount of English, and some had their translators as well. They liked the social aspect, [and] realized that the learning atmosphere was more relaxed [compared to their own schools].” Cormier said.
Thomas Dewey, physics teacher, noted the exchange students’ determination and enthusiasm throughout the program.
“I learned a lot from [the exchange students]. I would give them challenges, and when some were struggling, they would help each other. I was really impressed with their ability to go forward and make things happen without giving up.”
Not only did the Chinese students enjoy their time in America, but BOHS volunteers also had the chance to make new friends and learn about the different cultures of their counterparts. According to Cormier, BOHS students found the exchange students “very warm, inviting, and open to discussion.”
“I enjoyed the program and was so pleased to be a part of it,” Jinha Kim, junior, said. “It was a great experience to get to know and work with foreigners who may be unaware of our culture and customs. Communicating with [the exchange students] taught me that even though the Earth is huge, people across the world share common interests and goals.”
