The Language Department will host spring break trips to China March 22-29 and to Singapore and Indonesia March 21-April 2.
On the culture-focused trip to China, which is being run by Middle School World Languages teacher Minhua Gu, students will have the opportunity to visit cities Shanghai, Hangzhou and Zhujiajiao. While there, students will interact with peer groups and volunteer in the senior community. The trip’s emphasis is understanding and exploring the different aspects of Chinese culture as well as modern Chinese society and history. The trip is open to 20 students from 8th to 12th grade, and knowing or taking Chinese is not a requirement.
Angela Ren ’26 said she is interested in going on the China trip because of the variety of places that the trip will cover.
“I want to go to China because I have only been to Shanghai to visit family and I would like to sightsee in other parts of the country,” Ren said. “I’m also interested in the opportunity to volunteer with the senior community because I think engaging with them will give me a greater appreciation for my youth.”
In addition to the China Tour, there is the Career Exploration Trip to Southeast Asia which will explore various industries in Singapore and Indonesia. This opportunity is open to only nine students from 10th, 11th and 12th grade.
The Southeast Asia trip will give students an insight into Southeast Asia’s work and recreational scene. Students will take part in cultural activities such as visiting Gardens by the Bay, a public garden in Singapore, as well as various neighborhoods like Little India and the Orchard Rd. shopping district. While in Bali, students will visit the beach and potentially swim in the ocean.
Upper School World Languages teacher Bin He, who is organizing the trip, said he is enthusiastically anticipating the amount of possibilities that it will showcase.
“What excites me most about this trip is the incredible opportunity for students to explore career possibilities in dynamic sectors,” He said. “Education, healthcare, natural resources and financial services will be explored all while visiting unique destinations such as Singapore, Bali and Sumbawa in Indonesia.”
Morgan McGinnis ’27 said she is interested in the trip because she thinks it is a wonderful opportunity to broaden one’s perspective of the world.
“I think it’s important to see communities outside of America because it is valuable to experience other cultures besides our own,” McGinnis said. “It’s essential for students to expand their horizons and this trip will provide students with just that, to see what is beyond HW.”
He said the trip will give students a useful global perspective that can only be gained through experience.
“I hope students will gain a deeper understanding of global industries, develop cross-cultural communication skills and return with a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world,” He said. “This experience is not just about career exploration. It’s about personal growth and creating lasting memories.”
