The LFC Difference: A 14-Day Journey Through Urban and Rural China

In early October, 37 LFC ninth graders packed their bags and headed not just to an airport, but to a living classroom. Thirty Spanish-language students flew to Spain, and seven Mandarin students embarked on a journey across China.

These travels are a signature feature of the LFC high school experience, which also includes language trips to France and Germany, as well as other travel opportunities. More than just a tour, these language trips are a key component of our international high school education, designed to be exceptional experiences that enrich students culturally, linguistically and personally.

The recent journey to China is a powerful example of this mission in action.

Cultural Enrichment: New Perspectives on the World

For two weeks, the Mandarin students journeyed from south to north in China, discovering the richness of Chinese heritage and deepening their geographical, historical and architectural knowledge of the vast country.

The itinerary included stops in three metropolises—Guangzhou, Xi’an and Beijing—and two small rural towns, Hezhou and Yangshuo. Some highlights from their adventures:

• In Guangzhou, students particularly enjoyed a dizzying visit to the new Canton Tower. Its spiral design makes it an iconic symbol of China's modernism, and its height offers breathtaking panoramic views.
• In Xi’an, they were impressed by the Terracotta Army—thousands of life-size statues—discovered in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor.
• In Beijing, they were fascinated by the cable car ascent of the Great Wall of China and the exploration of the majestic Forbidden City.
• In Hezhou, they loved the picturesque landscapes and the ancient town of Huangyao. They felt as if they were walking through a movie set—and indeed, many films are shot there.
• In Yangshuo, a bamboo raft trip on the Li River and a bike ride overlooking the spectacular karst mountains were a thrill. The highlight was the nocturnal show about Chinese history, featuring incredible light displays.

Unanimously, the two more rural destinations were the travelers' favorites.

In addition to these geographical, historical and architectural discoveries, students experienced the country's customs and the local gastronomy of its different regions. In Beijing, our students were warmly welcomed at the International School of Beijing, where they had the chance to participate in a Chinese calligraphy class and attend a dragon show. During their journey, they also tasted various regional specialties: Peking duck, Cantonese rice, dim sum, wontons, spring rolls, fried noodles and more.

Linguistic Progress: Mastering a Foreign Language

Beyond the cultural benefits, LFC language trips are the ideal opportunity for immersion in a language previously learned only in the classroom.

Throughout their stay, students were constantly encouraged to communicate in Mandarin with their guides and local residents, whether at the hotel, restaurant or in shops. This practical immersion strengthens oral fluency, improves pronunciation and, above all, builds their confidence, transforming academic mastery into a real communication tool. As their journey progressed, they also became familiar with the country's various dialects, gaining a sense of its linguistic diversity.

Personal Development: A Formative Experience

Beyond their academic, cultural and linguistic benefits, these trips abroad are powerful catalysts for personal development. Learning to navigate a new environment—for example, taking a night train or interacting with locals in a less-mastered language—and becoming comfortable in it are experiences that build autonomy and adaptability.

The shared adventures also create strong bonds within the group. These are moments of shared joy that solidify friendships among participants.

As Roman T., a 9th-grade IB student, summarized, this immersion in urban and rural China will leave indelible memories: "I loved the variety of places visited, from the tropical countryside of southern China to the Forbidden City in Beijing! I deepened my knowledge of Chinese culture, discovered its culinary richness and met its very welcoming people. It was an incredible opportunity!"

Ultimately, whatever the destination, language trips are one of the LFC's greatest assets. They are collective, eye-opening adventures that foster an essential open-mindedness to the world and create magical, lifelong memories.

See more photos from the recent trips to China and Spain.