Would you visit a rural city in a foreign country where no one speaks your language? How would you teach English to non-English speakers? How would you interact with the locals? And, if given the chance, would you do it again?
This spring, sixteen BIM Upper School (Grades 7–12) students traveled from McLean, VA, to Laixi, Shandong Province, China—a rural city with areas still developing—bringing gifts and English lessons they had prepared for the local students. This trip was the result of long-term planning by our trip leaders, Mandarin teacher Ms. Li and Director of Upper School Mr. Wright, both of whom worked diligently to ensure smooth logistics. Far exceeding everyone’s expectations, this journey was transformative. Students embodied the EPIC values (Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, and Curiosity) during the trip and returned with lasting memories they continue to cherish.
Personal Reflections
For Aishu B. ‘27, friendship was the highlight of this journey. Being proactive, she downloaded WeChat (the most widely used messaging app in China) on her phone prior to the trip and added everyone she interacted with there. She remains in touch with them to this day. Here are her reflections:
“I made friends with students there by playing games like jump rope, red-light-green-light, discussing music, and playing volleyball. One day, when we ate out in Jinan, a Chinese school on a field trip visited the same restaurant. They asked me to take pictures for them, so I gave them my WeChat to send them the photos.”
“I tried my best to speak Chinese, but it was hard… They all had their accent…and I had [my] accent, so it was difficult [to communicate], but I think they understood me.”
“By working closely with each other on many activities, I made new friends and got closer to my friends from BIM, whom I didn’t interact with as much back home. I would say I made new friends and strengthened my bonds with old ones.”
For Anna R.C. ‘28, the highlight of the trip was in the interactions, where the language barrier didn’t stop her and the local student from expressing kindness to each other.
During one of the activities, Anna tried to compliment a local student’s hair tie but only knew the word for “hair.” Misunderstanding her, the girl immediately pulled out more hair ties and gave Anna the same hairstyle. This is only one example of the students making every effort to connect. If one of them hummed a tune from social media or mentioned a popular show, everyone would also eagerly join in, singing and playing the games from the show.
The way both BIM and Laixi students sought to connect and demonstrated kindness was a true reflection of Empathy and Curiosity in our EPIC values.
Flexibility and Perseverance in Action
Months before coming to Laixi, BIM students had begun preparing lessons that would represent BIM and American culture, including flag football and American children’s songs. Of course, no plans are ever perfect during execution, but our students adapted quickly, with a strong commitment to success and a collaborative mindset.
When the school couldn’t accommodate an activity, students sprang into action, brainstorming and drafting new plans, preparing materials, creating PowerPoint presentations, and dividing tasks among groups to ensure a smooth transition. There were no complaints or giving up, just the sound of ideas bouncing and fingers typing in the otherwise quiet hotel room. The next day, the Laixi students enjoyed the new project and returned with activities they had prepared.
When Ms. Li, the lead teacher of this trip, reflected upon these stories, she spoke enthusiastically and complimented our students’ flexibility and commitment—a sign of perseverance.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
To welcome BIM students, the Laixi schools had prepared cultural activity lessons, including farming, craft making, and making dumplings and “Hua Mo”—decorated steamed buns—to accommodate the language barrier and encouraged students to communicate through actions.
Outside of teaching, BIM students fully immersed themselves in the culture. At restaurants, they practiced their knowledge of Chinese table manners, which they had studied prior to the trip. They also seized every opportunity to engage with locals—from train ticket counters to street vendors, and even with tourists who invited them to join group photos—learning about people’s stories while picking up new Chinese words.
Despite the excitement, one of the most unforgettable memories for many students was visiting the homes of local families. Our students and teachers were informed that many parents had left the town to work in larger cities throughout the year, leaving their children to live with their grandparents. Each family faced their own unique challenges. Nevertheless, the students came to school every day with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn. Our students were deeply moved by their stories, and the ride back was filled with contemplation and reflection.
Lasting Memories
For many students, it was their first time visiting China. Despite initial nervousness, everyone did a fantastic job representing BIM—not by trying to act like adults, but by embracing the best qualities of being teenagers. They demonstrated perseverance when plans changed; integrity by respecting cultural rules and manners; empathy when visiting the Laixi students’ homes and recognizing their less privileged circumstances, yet still bonding over a shared passion for learning; and curiosity with every person and cultural aspect of China they encountered. They were praised for being polite, open, understanding, and energetic.
This trip was not just a service trip. It was a cultural experience, a learning opportunity, and a life-changing memory. While our students brought gifts, it was they who gained the most from this journey. On the last day in Laixi, many students were in tears, already missing the friendships they had formed, while reflecting on the many new things they had learned and looking forward to returning to China someday. This journey not only deepened their understanding of another culture but also strengthened their own values, leaving them with memories and connections that will last a lifetime.
