The Value of Educational Exchanges

Educational exchanges generate opportunities. As Americans continue to build international business connections and enhance security, we need to prepare our students for their global futures. Educators, business leaders, and policy-makers recognize the increasing importance of educating students about cultures very different from their own. Our schools want to provide opportunities for students to learn other world languages, understand other cultures, and build personal relationships that enhance learning.

Our leaders recognize the importance of international studies and educational exchanges:

“This will be the Pacific century.”

George W. Bush, President, April 2002, on a China visit

“Today we live in a global community, where all countries must work as partners to promote peace and prosperity and to resolve international problems. One of the surest ways to develop and strengthen such partnerships is through international educational exchanges.”

William J. Clinton, Former President

“We believe that with advances in technology and the global economy, East-West relations will develop exponentially-it is up to us in the public schools to see to it that Americans are equipped with the knowledge and sensitivity required to make these relations productive. Learning together is our most promising path to mutual understanding, prosperity, and peace.”

Jeffrey M. Young, Superintendent, The Newton Public Schools

Businesses are increasingly aware of global opportunities and competition.

“You need a China strategy-now! You need to go there and build a strong network…It takes a lot of work and education to find and build the network. Language skills are a crucial part of the network…China is not going away…”

Paul Kennedy, CEO, Kennedy Dye Castings

“It is not only large multinational companies that operate in the global environment. All businesses need and want employees (especially future employees) who bring with them a global perspective and a significant level of international knowledge. Global competition in business is getting tougher every day and preparing our next generation to succeed in the global economy requires new skills, attitudes and approaches. After all, one in every six new jobs being created flows from international trade: we know that it won't be long until that figure is one in five.”

William A. Judy, Regional Manager, AIG WorldSource

Partner school relationships enrich school programs on both sides. A school connection acts as a springboard for building curriculum and supports changes on an on-going basis. It energizes teachers. Chinese schools boast an improved English language program enriched by visiting American teachers and students. An entire American school community benefits from having Chinese exchange teachers and students make presentations and teach in classrooms at all levels. Our schools are often able to initiate Chinese language study and enrich their cultural teaching about China. American students with even beginning Chinese language skills recognize the value of even simple communication, and their fluency expands rapidly.

“China is a fascinating country. I went there believing that China would be the key to the Pacific Rim in the 21st century, and my visit confirmed that belief. If you want to prepare your child for the 21st century, consider having her/him study Chinese.”

Irwin Blumer, Former Superintendent of Newton Public Schools

“My experience [in a principal shadowing project] was life changing! I intend to visit China again, with students. Americans need to look, listen, and develop working relationships with the Chinese. I see this as pivotal to our survival. I was so impressed with students' warmth, generosity, energy, and intellect. Our students will be amazed.”

Catherine Richards, Principal of Danbury High School, 2006

“The PSP is the first step along a long road toward understanding the realities of globalization and the challenges for education in the 21st century. The experience [of PSP] was about building relationships. It was about getting to know people. I made many new friends and found a whole new venue for learning.”

John Vecchitto, Principal of Nonnewaug High School, 2006

It is the experience of students and teachers in the U.S. and in China that underscores the value of an educational exchange program, through their insights, enthusiasm, and inspirations. In the process of learning about others, they learn about themselves. They have previously unimagined career opportunities.

“You're never really sure about how to do the right thing in China. But that's diplomacy. It's a constant dance.”

Brookline exchange student, 2002

“ The exchange was, quite simply, the most important experience of my life. It provided me with a base for understanding China that has been crucial to my study of China over the past fourteen years. The exchange provided me not only with friends for life, but also with a passion for China that I know will last a lifetime.”

Ben Liebman, Newton exchange student, 1986

“This trip to America has given me an ability to connect to people on a level that I did not even know existed before…It has not only given me a second home with a totally different culture, but it also enriched my life experience. Most of all, it has changed my personality and my way of behaving in the society…To my surprise, my adaptation to the open atmosphere has stayed with me when I came back to China and I am now able to use what I have absorbed from my American family and friends to deepen the friendship between me and my friends in China.”

Chinese exchange student in Broken Arrow OK, 2006

“Ironically, my biggest challenge is accepting the generosity and concern of my host family and the Gao Xin School. There are times when I want to scream, “Please! Let me pay! Let me clean those dishes!” the Chinese words I know just don't seem to convey the depth of my gratitude or the embarrassment I frequently feel being treated so well.”

Brookline exchange teacher, 2002

“We didn't expect that through understanding American culture, we understood our own better. [The students] are more conscious of what they are. Thus, they suddenly found self-confidence since Chinese way of thinking sometimes prohibits individual difference and development.”

Exchange teacher from Beijing, 2000

“China is truly an eating culture. One of the hardest adjustments we've all had to make is increasing our appetites. Perhaps because the Chinese have a long history of “chi ku” - of “eating bitterness,” of hardship and starvation - food is a fundamental and valuable form of expression. Joy, hospitality, remembrance, appreciation, concern - all these sentiments are expressed through food. Holiday time is EATING time!”

Brookline exchange teacher, 2002

“My visit to the Beijing Jingshan School changed my life in ways previously unimagined. It raised my consciousness about the world and has allowed me a different perspective of life in America. Many opportunities are now open…to me because of my experience and my interest in China.”

Bryan Whithall, Newton exchange student, 1999

The experience of living in a Chinese host family provides an understanding of the culture otherwise impossible to obtain. Exchange program alumni return to China during their junior years in college and revisit their Chinese families.

“Hosting Wang Meng was a life-expanding experience for me. As a result of our wonderful loving connection, I began learning Mandarin, traveled to China twice, got to know his family, and have a heart connection with people on the other side of the world! My life had been forever enriched.”

Nancy Lopin, Newton exchange host parent, 2000

(click to enlarge)

Welcome to visitors from America at Xiuning County Middle School, Anhui Province

Newton administrators at Xiuning county Middle School, Anhui Province

Tai Ji Quan

Second grader making double happiness paper cut for Chinese New Year