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Photo by Christa White

A LCŌ First: International Student Exchange Programme

Christa White —

"Don't listen to what they say, go see." ~ Chinese Proverb

This certainly is true of the Chinese students, hosted by Linwood College at Ōtākaro in an international student exchange programme this term.  Students arrived from three different schools in Nantong City, China, to participate in the first LCŌ International Student Exchange. All were eager to see and learn as much as possible in the eight days that they spent in Christchurch. Our guests experienced being part of a Kiwi family, studied English in our English Language Learning Department, and enjoyed the hospitality of a home away from home while here in New Zealand.

Each group was welcomed with a mihi whakatau, which included a hongi – which our visitors found very interesting. Each of the Chinese students were allocated an LCŌ buddy, who took responsibility for them while they were here, showing them around the school, taking them to classes and attending their farewell ceremonies.

The exchange provided an opportunity for both our visitors and LCŌ students to explore different cultures, traditions, languages and much more - an opportunity that provided alternative perspectives and made them view the world with a different lens. Friendships were established and promises made to return to New Zealand soon, and for future exchange programmes to China. All-in-all, a most enriching and rewarding experience for all participants.