A delegation of approximately 190 students and teachers from 14 high schools across seven US states has embarked on their Shanghai journey, marking the final stop of their exchange program, Shared Journey of Friendship, in China.

The delegation hails from schools with deep-rooted connections to China, including Lincoln High School in Washington State, Muscatine High School in Iowa, and Niles North High School in Illinois. The group also includes students from schools in California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming, marking their inaugural organized visit to China.

Throughout their journey, which has taken them through Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Fuzhou, and Hangzhou before reaching Shanghai, these American youths have engaged in dynamic interactions with local Chinese students, immersing themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of each city.

Zenya Kontos, a 17-year-old delegate from Niles West High School, shared her enthusiasm: "I've made so many friends at every school we've visited. People are coming up to me, asking me to connect on WeChat. I'm excited to keep in touch with them. Everyone has been super sweet and super respectful."

Having studied Chinese in the US, she has deepened her understanding of Chinese culture during the trip. "I've learned about China, like the significance of the Lunar New Year, the tradition of giving red envelopes, and how the kids are supposed to receive them with both hands," she explained. "Being in China and witnessing traditions and people's lives here firsthand has been truly remarkable."

Reflecting on her impressions of Shanghai, she expressed awe at the city's scale and architectural diversity. "I didn't realize how big Shanghai actually is. I've seen the skyline and pictures of singular buildings. But I didn't realize that it was building after building. And not all the buildings look the same like every building has its own unique character."

Todd Bowen, a teacher from Niles North High School accompanying the delegation, shared his perspective on the evolving cultural landscape: "What I learned about China during my first visit has transformed remarkably. Now, I see a continuation and progression, with increasing cultural similarities emerging in the way people interact." From a Western viewpoint, he observed cultural traditions blending harmoniously and saw similarities rather than differences.

Bowen expressed enthusiasm for the future of cultural exchange: "As we get to know one another and appreciate each other's cultures, we then learn to see similarities and build bridges of understanding."

Priya Amin, another teacher with the delegation, shared her observations on education in China. "My previous impression was that at Chinese schools, students don't have a lot of opportunities to be creative. But I can see teachers here working really hard in the schools we visited to make sure that students have an opportunity to express themselves and their creative thoughts."

"When our students engage in traditional arts and crafts alongside their Chinese counterparts, whether it's paper cutting or playing traditional instruments, it brings them together," she said.

Looking ahead, Amin expressed optimism: "Our students have already made so many connections during this trip to China. We will think about how we can continue to foster those connections and further build relationships and friendships."