Exchange Programme with Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School (7-11 April 2025)
In early April, our school conducted an exchange program with Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School, offering sixteen Secondary 4 students an invaluable opportunity to travel to Shanghai, which is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in China.
Despite an early start on April 7th, all of us were filled with immense anticipation and eagerness as we prepared to embark on this exciting journey. Once we reached our destination, we were greeted with the warmest welcome. We were all astonished by the stunning campus, mind-blown by the architectural design of the school buildings.
As we strolled through the vibrant grounds, the sun illuminated some of the most intricate details of each structure. For one, the hall was adorned with vibrant rainbow-colored windows, which added a whimsical touch and filled the interior with a kaleidoscope of light. The campus showcased the distinctive elements of American Gothic Revival architecture, with pointed arches, steep roofs and decorative stonework. The lush greenery surrounding us further enhanced the beauty of the environment.
The school tour left us with extreme excitement to attend lessons and immerse ourselves in this campus the following day. After being introduced to our student buddies from Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School, we joined their classes to experience a different education approach. The teachers were very welcoming, and engaged us with questions.
Our day included an ice-breaking session with our buddies, where the highlight was a trivia quiz that tested our cultural and historical knowledge of Hong Kong and Shanghai. The room buzzed with excitement and laughter as we shouted our answers to the questions!
The third day of our exchange trip was undoubtedly the most memorable and unforgettable as we toured some of the most iconic landmarks of Shanghai. We began by first visiting Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town known for its picturesque canals and charming architecture. We were captivated by the ancient wooden bridges and quaint shops lining the waterways, and we enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere as we wandered through the narrow streets.
Next, we headed to Shanghai’s modern skyline, The Bund, a stunning waterfront area reminiscent of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. Standing on the promenade, we marveled at the breathtaking view of skyscrapers and the historic buildings that line the Huangpu River. We were also very fortunate to have visited The Bund both during the day and at night. As night fell, the buildings lit up spectacularly, with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower standing tall among this panoramic night view.
After a day of exploring the city, we followed along our buddies and joined more of their classes the next day. By Thursday, we felt more familiar with the environment, having broken down the initial shyness we experienced. This comfort made the lessons and interactions with our buddies even better.
The bonds we created with our buddies allowed us to chat and share our experiences on a seemingly endless array of topics. As we shared the differences between our school traditions at DGS, it was fascinating to learn how similar yet different our experiences were. As we bonded over our favorite music, movies, artists and hobbies, it became clear that these connections were more than just casual friendships.
In between classes, we were even invited to participate in physical exercise! As upbeat music filled the campus, we ran laps following along the whole school. We really appreciated how intense physical exercise is incorporated into the everyday lives of students at Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School. The day concluded with a lesson on Shanghai’s history, allowing us to understand the development of this global metropolis.
On the final day before our flight back, we visited the Shanghai Film Museum, where we immersed ourselves in the rich history of a century-old Shanghai cinema. We experienced vibrant interpretations from filmmakers and explored the stories behind various films and significant events throughout the century.
As our remarkable trip concluded, it was bittersweet to bid farewell to this incredible experience; however, we are certain that the amazing memories created, the lifelong friendships forged and the memorable lessons learnt will be lasting.
Although the program was brief, these five days were far more than just an exchange trip. Not only were we able to learn more about the education and learning style in Mainland China, each day brought new experiences. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting authentic cuisine, we were able to immerse ourselves in a city with a long history and a rich tapestry of culture.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the teachers and students from Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School for their warm welcome and gracious hospitality. We would also like to thank our teacher chaperones for taking care of us. Most importantly, thanks must be given to Mrs. Lau for her unwavering guidance and support in allowing us to learn beyond the classroom.