By Students at Yinghua Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The China trip was very impressive, because we got to see China and what life is like there. Speaking Chinese all day was totally different than only speaking Chinese at school. We traveled to different areas of China and heard the variety of accents—some were a lot stronger than others. Chinese students have a very long day, but they have a couple of hours’ break at lunch time to go home, eat, and rest. Visiting their school was one of my favorite parts, because I got to experience how kids my age live. China and America are very different, but to hear that and to actually see that are two totally different things.
          —Ayla Straub 邢爱悦 (7th grade student, 2014 China Trip Participant)

When I went on my first trip to China, I thought it would be a totally educational thing. I thought all we were going to do there is study and do homework. I was wrong. We did learn quite a lot, and we learned it not by studying but by experiencing all the things there were to experience. My favorite place in China is our sister school. Everyone was so nice and welcoming; it was hard not to make five friends in one minute. We took a few classes at the school and read some passages from their English textbooks to them. Their classes were fun and very meaningful. Everyone was so eager to learn, even though they didn’t have a lot of resources. After school, we got to spend the night at our host family’s house. Just from this experience, I learned so much. I have to say that that is where I learned the most about the Chinese culture and ways of living.
        —Ashley Chu (8th grade student, 2013 and 2014 China Trip Participant)

For me, the best part about the whole China trip was touring and experiencing new bizarre things with my friends, seeing new sights, accomplishing new challenges, and visiting the sister school. In the sister school, each of us were assigned a different student to host us at their house. My host families were very warm, and each provided unique experiences. I discovered I can eat 45 dumplings in one meal. Also, along with that, each of us made many new friends and surely had some of the most amazing experiences of our lifetimes! Being able to use Chinese to speak with other people helped us feel closer. Also it was fun for me to teach English in a Chinese classroom. Seeing how eager the Chinese students were to learn really made an impression on my friends and me. I also loved traveling around in China. It was fun to be connected to my classmates in a new place, even during uncomfortable moments. I loved the Shanghai skyline, the Pearl Tower and the boat cruise. Hiking on the Great Wall was a phenomenal experience, and we got a lot out of it, even thought it was a baking hot day. Overall it was one of the best trips I've ever been on.
          —Cormac Calcaterra (8th grade student, 2013 China Trip Participant)

Going to China did many good things for me. When I went to China, I learned more about the Chinese culture than I ever would have just sitting in a classroom. Also, it brought me out into the world more; it showed me how different America is from China. I found it amazing that there were so many people in China and how nice they are. I loved going to China so much, and if I ever have the chance to go there again, I will do it in a heartbeat.
          —Ann Patten (9th grade student, 2012 and 2014 China Trip Participant)
 

Yinghua Academy Parent & Teacher Testimonials
Overview of Study Abroad Program at Yinghua Academy