From May 8 to 11, a group from our school visited the Japanese Language Department of Intel Foreign Language School, a private integrated junior and senior high school located on the outskirts of Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in China. The group consisted of three junior high school students, three high school students, and three accompanying teachers, for a total of nine participants.

After having breakfast in the school’s three-story cafeteria, students began their first class at 8:00 a.m. They attended a variety of lessons, including Japanese, P.E., chemistry, English, ceramics, and calligraphy. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the Intel students, our students were able to participate in the classes smoothly and comfortably.

Over the weekend, our students stayed with local host families. They enjoyed the night view along the Qiantang River, lined with futuristic skyscrapers, and wore traditional Hanfu while strolling around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By spending time with Chinese high school students and experiencing daily life together, our students were able to gain firsthand insight into modern-day China—something that cannot be learned in a classroom alone. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen cross-cultural understanding between students of the same age.