As summer break came to an end, Vinisha Tejwani, a Grade 12 student at Hangzhou International School (HIS), was gearing up for another exciting school year. However, her summer was anything but ordinary. Like many of her peers at HIS, Vinisha used her time off to engage in community projects and gain valuable real-world experiences.
Inspired by her mother, who is a teacher, Vinisha decided to organize a Cultural Exchange Program during her summer break. She spent a week in the small village of Qianmei, just outside of Hangzhou, connecting with the local community. Each day, she interacted with a group of 30 to 40 students and adults, helping them understand the differences and similarities between Chinese and foreign cultures.
The sessions, held in the village’s community hall, were open to everyone in the village. Vinisha was accompanied by a Chinese friend and an English teacher acquaintance, who helped facilitate the discussions. For Vinisha, this experience was not only a chance to give back to the community but also an opportunity to explore a potential career path in teaching, following in her mother’s footsteps.
„At the start, the villagers gave me a Chinese name, then I gave them English names at the end,“ Vinisha shared. „It really summed up the cultural acceptance we had built up over a short space of time.“ The program was a huge success, and Vinisha plans to continue it in the year ahead, further deepening her connection to the local community.
This initiative reflects a growing trend among HIS students, who are increasingly recognizing the importance of gaining real-world experiences outside of the classroom. Top universities and colleges worldwide are looking for well-rounded students who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
According to Mark Donagher, the Head of Guidance and University Counseling at HIS, top schools in the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK are seeking students who will contribute positively to campus life. „They want to know what students have done to impact the world around them, where they have displayed their passion and made a difference,“ Donagher explained.
HIS is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage in community service and experiential learning. To learn more about the school’s programs and initiatives, visit their website at his-china.org or email the Admissions Team at admissions@hisdragons.org.cn to arrange a personal tour.
In conclusion, Vinisha Tejwani’s Cultural Exchange Program is a shining example of how HIS students are going above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. By engaging in projects like these, students are not only gaining valuable experiences but also demonstrating their commitment to personal growth and community impact.