Today we visited two schools, The New Century School for grades kindergarten through high school and the Yunnan Nationalities High School. It was amazing to see both the excitement the New Century School students and faculty had for meeting Americans and the discipline within the school to leave their best impression on their foreign guests. The second we walked through the door I could feel “the quiet before the storm”. My favorite part of the day was getting swarmed by four year-old students in the kindergarten. The children in the middle school were bombarding me nonstop with questions like “Give me your number!” and “Give me your email!” until they received an answer. These questions are still ringing in my ears and will be something I will never forget. Another prominent aspect of the school was how polite and generous all the students were. If it was in their power to make things better, they would do it.

The contrast in cultures is interesting. At the Yunnan Nationalities High School we were treated to a great tour of their beautiful school where I was astounded by the number of computers in their classroom lab, making it clear China strives to provide the best education possible. We also watched a show of minority dancers and singers who were so graceful and determined to share their minority culture with us; the talent was amazing. Later, we played ping pong, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. It was a great break after seeing so many interesting facets of the school.

Primary students and AACE

Yang Lu and Song Yuceng perform in the Welcoming Ceremony at New
Century School

AACE poses with some of the performers

As we arrived at The Minorites High School we were greeted by students dressed in their minority costumes. We were presented with welcome gifts and posed for a group photo.

The computer room at the Minorities school had 60 computer stations.

Students also showed us how to play the
Chinese harp. Matt, Harrison and Charlie gave it a try.