From February 3 to February 7, a group of international students from 北京十一学校 (bei jing shi yi xue xiao – Beijing National Day School, BNDS) came to Ayala High School as an initiative started with the World Organization of Sustainability Leadership (WOSL) club. The BNDS school has an international and regular department, with the international department sharing a remarkable resemblance to what Ayala currently has: AP courses and IB courses. BNDS high school students from the regular and international departments were encouraged to sign up for this trip during winter break. There are five groups of students with around six people in each; they are placed in diversified groups, some in Intro to Theater and Journalism, some in AP Physics 2, but mostly placed in classes with spare seats.
The international students who signed up for the American Cultural Trip travel to famous American attractions like the Getty Art Museum, Griffith Observatory, and Universal Studio. They then stay at Ruben S. Ayala High School for a brief week to understand the American education system.
“My first impression is that everyone on the campus dresses differently and you can wear whatever you want to wear,” said one of Group 2 international students. “Another direct impression is that the period between two classes is shorter, so you have to rush between buildings, but the teachers are nice and they always try to engage us.”
The teachers of Ayala have integrated the international students into the classroom environment, showing them the full American education experience. Some students remarked on how quickly they have adapted to the academics.
“The English speaking ability for not being born in the U.S. is amazing,” Ryan Nguyen (11), who saw the international students conversing with Mr. Kenny Donovan in class, said. “It was like they were both perfectly fluent in Chinese and English.”
Though their stay was brief, it was regarded as a great cultural exchange moment. Some even received surprising trinkets from the international students.
“There was a group that my Chinese teacher assigned for me to help,” Zachary Nguyen (11) said. “I went to athletic training, I talked to two of them, and they gave me this [panda plushie keychain on my backpack].”
There were moments when both sides gained a precious memory that would otherwise have been impossible. For their parting, some international students prepared parting gifts like bookmarks, keychains, and intricate charms.
“I showed her this [Clapping game], and then this one where you add [the Sticks game],” Zachary Nguyen said.
Ayala may welcome more exchange students in the future. As for now, exchange students from parts of Europe have arrived on the campus for the American education experience. In the foreseeable future, Ayala could create a memorable and diversified experience for its existing students, thereby improving cultural understanding.
