From Limerick to the Lanterns: Villiers Students Embrace China
Villiers Students Enjoy Immersive Cultural Exchange Trip to China 2025Twenty students and staff from Villiers School recently returned from an unforgettable 10-day cultural exchange trip to China during the 2025 Easter holidays. Organised by the Ireland-China Culture Education Centre, this enriching journey offered students a unique opportunity to experience Chinese life, traditions, and education firsthand through visits to both Shanghai and Hangzhou.
The adventure began in Hangzhou, a city renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. Villiers students spent two full days at Fuyang High School, where they were warmly welcomed by their Chinese peers. Here, the students participated in collaborative classroom activities, cultural workshops, and school-life immersion. These sessions not only introduced the group to the rhythm of Chinese education but also fostered friendships and cross-cultural understanding. The Hangzhou visit concluded with a peaceful excursion to the famous West Lake, known for its classical Chinese gardens and poetic landscapes.
The group then traveled to Shanghai, one of the world’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities. A standout highlight for many was a full-day visit to Shanghai Disneyland, where students enjoyed the unique blend of international entertainment with Chinese cultural elements, a familiar experience for some, but made fresh through a new cultural lens.
In the second half of the trip, the group spent several days at Shanghai Oriental Land, a large youth development base outside the city. There, students engaged in hands-on emergency preparedness training, team-building exercises, and outdoor recreational activities, including a memorable evening campfire.
Cultural explorations continued with a guided tour through Shanghai Old Town, a walk through the serene Yuyuan Garden, and an evening cruise along the Huangpu River. This boat tour offered panoramic views of the stunning Bund, showcasing the modern skyline and colonial-era architecture that epitomise Shanghai’s East-meets-West identity.
This cultural experience in China served as a platform for global learning, intercultural dialogue, and the development of international mindedness. Students returned to Ireland with broadened horizons, cherished memories, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse world in which they live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is international mindedness?
International mindedness is an attitude of openness and curiosity about the world. It involves understanding, respecting, and appreciating cultures different from one’s own. At Villiers, we aim to nurture global citizens who are empathetic, culturally aware, and prepared to contribute meaningfully in an interconnected world. International mindedness is a key element of IB education.
What trips can Villiers students expect to have the opportunity to take?
Villiers School offers a wide variety of educational and cultural trips overseas. These include:
- Language exchanges to France, Germany and Spain in Junior Cycle
- Curricular trip to Rome or Greece for Classics students in Junior Cycle
- The popular ski trip, an annual trip, usually to Italy or Austria
- The Camino excursion to the north of Spain, a highlight of the Transition Year calendar
- Model United Nations (MUN) trips
- Senior Cycle Geography trip to Iceland
- Rugby team trip to Spain
- Hockey team trip to the Netherlands
- Cultural exchanges, such as this trip to China
- Erasmus+ mobility opportunities, in a range of European destinations.
Why are cultural exchanges important?
Cultural exchanges allow students to step out of their comfort zones, build intercultural friendships, and develop skills like communication, adaptability, and independence. They also foster respect and understanding between nations and provide unforgettable real-world learning experiences.
What is Erasmus+ accreditation, and how will it support future trips?
Villiers School is proud to hold Erasmus+ accreditation, a prestigious recognition granted by the European Union to institutions committed to high-quality international education and mobility. This accreditation opens the door to increased funding and partnership opportunities across Europe, allowing Villiers to plan and expand a wide range of educational trips, exchanges, and training programmes for both students and staff.
