Utahloy International School, China

In 2012 Hoppers Crossing Secondary College was selected by the Department of Education and Training (DET) to send a delegation of students and educators to China for three weeks. Due to the strong interest from the student body to participate such a program, the College continues to offer this opportunity to students in Year 9 and 10 each year.

The Program

In the first week students are based at Utahloy International School in Guangzhou. Accommodation is in the boarding facilities of the school. During this time students undertake a global leadership certificate through an affiliation that Utahloy International School shares with the University of Melbourne.

Students visit local Chinese schools in order to teach the English language and come to terms with what it is like to be in a foreign country where English is not the primary language.
In Shanghai, high performing schools are visited so that the students are able to identify similarities and differences between the two education systems.

Cultural Awareness

Students travel on bullet trains and domestic flights to visit Beijing, Xian and Shanghai where iconic attractions such as the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors and Tiananmen Square are all visited. The historical relevance of these attractions is covered prior to the students visit.
Students participate in a range of cultural activities also such as Kung Fu lessons, Chinese cooking classes as well as examining Chinese herbal and medical remedies such as acupuncture and cupping. They are introduced to the history behind many of these ancient practices.

From the moment the delegation arrive in China, English and Chinese speaking guides join the delegation for the entirety of the trip in order to facilitate the experience.

Community Involvement

Successful students also agree to undertake 20 hours of community service in order to ‘give something back to their community’ for supporting them on this adventure.

Upon their return, the students develop a detailed presentation about their experiences and reflections which is delivered to various groups both within the College and in the local community.

Selection Process

Successful students are required to submit an application form and are then shortlisted for an interview with a panel of three teachers from the College.

Once selected the students begin to meet regularly in order to investigate different aspects of the itinerary so that they are well informed prior to their visit. They also work collaboratively to assist in fundraising to subsidise the cost of the Program.

Cost

Hoppers Crossing Secondary College work in conjunction with various organisations to subsidise the cost of this Program and as such students are expected to contribute between $300-$500 to cover the cost of the Program.

All enquiries should be forwarded to Ms Kim Firkin – International Programs Coordinator – (03) 9974 – 7777