Shanghai Museum and Cultural Exchange

We began the day at the Shanghai Museum - a comprehensive museum of Chinese art, currency, sculpture, and furniture. At the Museum, we learned that throughout history, Chinese calligraphy has taken many forms: Oracle bone inscription, Official script, and Cursive script.

After lunch, we visited EF's English Language School where we met a remarkable group of young adults eager to exchange with us their thoughts and ideas on education, daily life, and more!

Juli K. met with an 18-year old named Jesse. "Kids in China like to rollerblade in their free time," he said. He asked Juli if people in the U.S. use chopsticks - what do you think she said?

Caileen B. reported: "The girls I met at EF thought it was great that American students spend time after school in sports and activities as Chinese students spend most of their time alone. After school, Chinese students complete their homework and often then have lessons in piano or violin. They said the government is beginning to realize that a society of only-children is not healthy."

Tour leader Carolyn learned that Yan, a young woman in her twenties, lives in the Pudong region of Shanghai - a region that did not exist twenty years ago. Cheryl spoke with Sara, an 18-year old finishing high school this year. "She said I should make sure to see the Jing Mao Tower and Wai Bai Du Bridge while in Shanghai," Cheryl said.

Overall, participants had an excellent experience speaking with young Chinese students. The sharing of ideas and questions was a valuable learning experience for all. Wallis R. spoke with two young women eager to engage her in conversation. Wallis reflected, "We agreed when we parted that the world will be a better place with more contact between cultures."