Middle and Upper School students at Harrisburg Academy (HA), the Capital Region’s premier, and one of the nation’s oldest, private, independent, co-ed, PreK through Grade 12 International Baccalaureate Continuum (IB) schools, will host 17
Chinese students and two educators as part of a new Exchange opportunity with the Beijing New Oriental Foreign Language School at Yangzhou in China.
Last December, a group of Harrisburg Academy students and educators traveled to Ganzhou and Nanchang to visit high schools and universities as well as cultural sites. They also participated in a Model United Nations conference and shared cultural and educational experiences with students from around the world.
WHO: Harrisburg Academy Students and Chinese Students
WHAT: New Harrisburg Academy and Chinese Student Exchange Program
WHEN: Opening Ceremony: Monday, Jan. 27, 8:15 a.m. (or daily media visits can be arranged)
WHERE: Harrisburg Academy, 10 Erford Rd., Wormleysburg, PA
Nurturing global awareness and connection is a core principle of the International Baccalaureate program at Harrisburg Academy. The IB promotes international-mindedness, which involves appreciating, experiencing and understanding different cultures, languages and perspectives. It encourages students to become global citizens who are open-minded, empathetic and respectful of others.
“At the Academy, we offer our students real-life opportunities like this student exchange experience to engage with other cultures. We challenge our students to contribute to the betterment of our society as global citizens. The HA-China student exchange opportunity deepens their awareness and commitment to that endeavor,” said Adrian Allan, Harrisburg Academy Head of School.
“Having traveled with our students to China, I’ve seen firsthand the spark of connection and insight when they meet international peers. There’s an energy that propels their exploration of cultural and educational differences and fosters stronger bonds of friendship and learning,” noted Lindsay Bowman, Harrisburg Academy Head of Middle and Upper Schools.
During their time in the United States, the Chinese group will visit Washington D.C., Hershey, the PA Capitol, New York City and other cities. Each Chinese exchange student will experience living with a Harrisburg Academy host family and will be matched with a Harrisburg Academy student host, as well. Chinese students will be immersed in the classroom, special activities and events during their stay.
SCHEDULE:
- Monday Jan. 27: Host Family School Drop Offs, 8:15 a.m. Welcome Ceremony, classroom rotations
- Tuesday, Jan. 28: Classroom rotations, 3:00 p.m. Lunar New Year Student Celebration
- Wednesday, Jan. 29: Morning classroom rotations
- Thursday, Jan. 30: Morning classroom rotations, Departure
Harrisburg Academy’s Mission
Harrisburg Academy is central Pennsylvania’s only International Baccalaureate Continuum School offering an academically challenging and globally minded interdisciplinary education. In our commitment to excellence, we provide tools, develop character, and teach skills that prepare students to thrive in college and beyond, thereby contributing to the betterment of our global and local communities.