Cultural Exchange with Devonport High School for Girls, UK

From October 24 to 28, over 20 teachers and students from our sister school, Devonport High School for Girls (UK), visited Entel. They attended classes alongside Entel students, immersed themselves in homestay families, and participated in diverse cultural activities.

The British students engaged deeply in A-Level classes, collaborating with Entel peers to explore Mathematics, Physics, Economics, and Biology. Beyond academics, they experienced China’s ancient wisdom through Tai Chi sessions and pottery workshops, where the earthy aroma of clay connected them to tradition. In calligraphy classes, brushstrokes became a dialogue with millennia of culture, each line reflecting reverence for Chinese heritage.

Weekend Cultural Odyssey

Ten Entel homestay families guided their British guests through Hangzhou’s historical and modern landscapes:

· West Lake’s shimmering waters and Hefang Street’s bustling markets became living stages of Chinese stories.

· Adorned with hairpin flowers and dressed in Hanfu, they stepped into a millennium-old elegance.

· A Gongfu tea ceremony with Longjing tea unveiled the subtleties of Chinese flavor, its aroma lingering as a timeless memory.
These experiences, like glittering pearls, ignited their curiosity for China’s ancient civilization.

Harmony Beyond Borders: Music Night

Entel students performed guzheng melodies and traditional Chinese dances, while the British group learned to sing “Jasmine Flower” (《茉莉花》). Melodic harmonies transcended language barriers, weaving unforgettable cross-cultural memories.

Strengthening Global Ties

Mr. Linoster, Deputy Headmaster of Devonport High School (acting on behalf of Headmaster Mr. Sargeant), and Principal Gong Yaodong of Entel signed an agreement to deepen collaborative exchanges. Future plans include summer school collaborations and faculty exchange programs.

Student Reflections

Hu Chen, Grade 11 Class 11
“Initially, I feared language barriers would hinder communication. But our teacher’s icebreaker game, ‘Shout Out Loud,’ shattered expectations. Despite being girls, their energy surpassed ours! In class, they answered questions without hesitation—a confidence I aspire to. Through teamwork, we became friends, dissolving shyness. This exchange taught me that genuine connection transcends language.”
Yang Xiao, Grade 10 Class 6
“Hosting my partners Ada and Cara was transformative. We bonded over shared interests, and they introduced me to authentic British slang and anecdotes. Introducing them to Song Dynasty attire and indigo dyeing crafts revealed their passion for Chinese culture. Their enthusiasm for Link Click (《时光代理人》), miHoYo, and blind boxes showed me how deeply Asian pop culture resonates globally.”
Li Jiaqi, Grade 8 Class 2
“Meeting my British partner Mia, I nervously said ‘Hi’—until she greeted me in Chinese! We made dumplings, explored Tianmuli on a city walk, drank bubble tea, and shared hot pot. At the farewell music party, we sang and danced, our joy transcending age and nationality. Though our time was brief, our hug goodbye spoke volumes. These three days gifted me lifelong memories.”