During the Thanksgiving holiday, led by two faculty members, seventeen SHBS students went to Germany for a ten-day cultural exchange with Cologne International School. The group flew from Pudong Airport to Frankfurt Airport, and then took a train to reach the city of Cologne. German host families were already waiting for our arrival at the train station of Cologne.  

Upon arrival, students were taken by their respective host families to spend the weekend, experiencing daily local lives in depth. Similar to the students, our two teachers were also taken by their host families, immersing themselves in local life. Mr. Ingo, director of Cologne International School, warmly invited Principal Bowen Chen to stay at his house, providing an opportunity for Bowen to experience local life.  

During the first two weekend days, the itinerary for our students was entirely arranged by their host families. Host families arranged various exploration activities for our students: hiking in the forest, exploring local cuisine, visiting the zoo, city walk, etc.. Our students also started teaching their host students some basic Chinese and learning some German from them.  

In the following days, our students would go to school with their hosts early in the morning, engaging in collaborative exchange and learning activities. Our visit was warmly welcomed by the faculty and students of Cologne International School(CIS).

Outside of the school, we approached many city landmarks steeped in historical and cultural significance: in Bonn, we visited the  UN campus to learn about the organization's structure, the functions of different departments, and the current efforts to address challenges faced by humanity. This experience allowed us to feel the responsibility bestowed upon us by the times. In Beethoven's birthplace, we drew inspiration and strength from the musical genius. At the 4711 Perfume Museum, we explored the origin and development of perfumes, gaining insights into European history. In the famous palaces of Brühl, we appreciated the beauty of Baroque art. Exploring the world of automobiles, we experienced the constant innovation in the automotive industry. From the top of the Triangle Tower, we overlooked the city of Cologne. Visiting the Chocolate Museum, we learned about the production process of chocolate and its historical and cultural significance. Of course, we also visited the Dom, ascending to witness its grandeur, sophistication, and the weight of its rich history. We also joined German teachers and students to explore Christmas markets, discover local cuisine, and more.  

Inside the school, guided by German teachers and students, we toured the campus, observed different classrooms, and experienced their educational philosophy and teaching methods. We taught Chinese classes to CIS faculty and students, shared our exchange experiences and feelings at the school assembly, thanked CIS teachers and students for their hospitality and arrangements, and introduced our school and city. We welcomed CIS teachers and students to visit our school for future exchanges.  

This exchange trip truly helped our students dive into the local culture and life. Students relied on public transportation (buses, trams, and trains) for daily travel. Over the course of a few days, students became very familiar with Cologne's public transport system, blending into the lives of the locals. Students also had ample time to communicate and interact with their host families, experiencing their daily lives. CIS has students from more than 60 countries. The host families who welcomed us included not only German families but also families of Turkish, Hungarian, Korean, and Chinese descent. This diversity helped our students experience diverse culture and enhance their cross-cultural communication skills.