From Classrooms to Homes:
A Cultural Journey Between Buckingham Browne & Nichols School and Yang Mei Senior High School
From March 20 to 22, 2025, Yang Mei Senior High School (YMHS) hosted 9 students from Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (BB&N) for a meaningful cultural exchange program. This visit not only provided an opportunity for cross-cultural learning but also fostered lasting friendships through a two-day homestay experience, where YMHS students warmly welcomed BB&N guests into their homes.
Day 1: Welcome Ceremony and Cultural Immersion
The program officially began with a grand welcome ceremony, where the YMHS principal and a BB&N teacher delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange. This was followed by icebreaker activities and performances by students from both schools, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A gift exchange between the schools further symbolized their growing friendship.
Afterward, students took turns introducing their respective schools before embarking on a guided campus tour, allowing BB&N students to explore YMHS facilities firsthand.
Opening ceremony
friendly game
The afternoon featured a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) session on cultural misunderstandings, empathy, and respect, led by teachers Lee Ann, Sam, and Miss Jessy, the foreign teacher from the Philippines. Through engaging discussions and activities, students reflected on how cultural differences shape global perspectives.
One of the highlights of the day was the Bubble Milk Tea Workshop, where students had the chance to make Taiwan’s famous drink from scratch. This interactive session not only strengthened their teamwork but also provided a delicious way to learn about Taiwanese food culture.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) Class
Bubble Milk tea class
Day 2: Student Engagement and Outdoor Exploration
The second day started with YMHS’s assembly where renowned Class 313 students shared how they were able to get admitted to top universities in Taiwan, allowing BB&N students to witness student excellence in our school. This was followed by a school club experience, where guests joined local students in various extracurricular activities, from arts and music to sports and technology.
table tennis lesson
hiking and picnic to the memorial hall
In the afternoon, students engaged in a sports and fitness session, particularly table tennis led by a PE instructor from YMHS. Later, they prepared for a hiking trip to the Memorial Shrine, a scenic destination 700 meters from the school, where they also enjoyed a picnic sharing famous Taiwanese snacks. This outdoor adventure allowed students to bond while appreciating Taiwan’s natural beauty.
Homestay Experience: A Deeper Cultural Connection
Beyond the scheduled activities, BB&N students spent two nights with local host families from YMHS, immersing themselves in Taiwanese daily life. Through this homestay, they experienced traditional home-cooked meals, family routines, and cultural customs firsthand. Many students expressed how this personal connection deepened their appreciation for Taiwanese hospitality and strengthened their friendships with their hosts.
The visit concluded with a closing ceremony, celebrating the shared experiences and newfound friendships formed during the exchange. While the program was short, it left a profound impact on both BB&N and YMHS students, inspiring future collaborations and reinforcing the power of global learning.
This exchange stands as a testament to the value of education beyond borders, bridging cultures through meaningful interactions and lifelong connections.
