Breaking New Ground: Moreton Hall’s First Exchange Student in Chengdu

Culture & Events Moreton Senior

Lower Five pupil, Tilly, recently embarked on a journey to Chengdu, China to spend two weeks alongside her Chinese peers at BASIS Bilingual School. From savouring the region’s renowned spicy cuisine to encountering China’s iconic pandas, Tilly has embraced every moment.

During the two-week exchange, Tilly had the opportunity to participate in a variety of campus activities. She followed the same course schedule as local students, including English, mathematics, history, Chinese, sports, and art. This experience enabled her to fully appreciate the rigorous and dynamic teaching atmosphere of the school, and she also gained insight into its diverse and cutting-edge educational philosophy. During this exchange trip, Tilly tried using chopsticks for the first time, sampled authentic Chinese cuisine, and praised the rich flavours of the catering at the BASIS Chengdu campus.

As a British student newly arrived in China, Tilly chose to join the calligraphy club, which had distinctive Chinese characteristics. This was a great opportunity to learn more about traditional Chinese culture. Under the careful guidance of her teacher, she practised brushwork, copied calligraphy, and wrote Chinese characters by hand, gaining a deep appreciation for the delicacy and richness of traditional Chinese art. This experience not only enhanced her artistic perception but also sparked a strong interest in Eastern culture.

In the evening, Tilly attended self-study sessions with her boarding classmates, where subject teachers provided academic support. After class, she easily communicated with her peers, got to know them better, and immersed herself in the warmth and rhythm of campus life. She was able to form deep friendships in a short period, which fully demonstrated the strong communication skills and adaptability of Moreton Hall students.

Beyond her studies, Tilly also actively took part in various extracurricular activities. She often played billiards, badminton, and volleyball with her classmates, enjoying the teamwork and excitement of competitive sports. Especially during volleyball, Tilly quickly adapted to the pace, cooperated effectively with her teammates, and delivered powerful smashes, showing excellent team spirit.

To deepen Tilly’s cultural experience in Chengdu, the dormitory supervisor at the Chengdu campus thoughtfully arranged a number of weekend cultural exploration activities. Tilly visited the Sanxingdui Museum, which holds over 3,000 years of history, to admire up close precious cultural relics such as bronze masks and golden sceptres, and to marvel at the mystery and grandeur of ancient Chinese civilisation. Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide, Tilly developed a deep interest in China’s rich heritage and described the experience as “like travelling through time and space.”

After exploring ancient civilisation, she visited Chunxi Road—the most iconic commercial district in Chengdu—to witness firsthand the vibrant pace and modern development of urban China. Surrounded by towering buildings and bustling crowds, with both local fashion brands and internationally renowned stores, Tilly was impressed by the convenience of mobile payments and the energy of street culture, which gave her an intuitive understanding of China’s fast-evolving urban landscape.

Upon returning to the UK, Tilly recalled excitedly, “Everyone there is so warm and friendly. This was an unforgettable trip full of surprises! I look forward to more opportunities to visit China in the future, and I hope to stay longer next time!”

This exchange not only offered Tilly a unique opportunity for personal growth but also marked a significant step for Moreton Hall School in advancing international education cooperation. We will continue to work with high-quality education partners around the world to empower every Moreton Hall student to move forward with confidence and grow with excellence in a diverse and interconnected world.