Punahou Students and Guests Forge Global Connections Through Cultural Exchange
Punahou School recently hosted 12 students from Soong Ching Ling School in Shanghai, China, for a week-long cultural exchange designed to foster global understanding and build lasting friendships.Organized by the Wo International Center, the visit embodied Punahou’s commitment to preparing students to be engaged, globally-minded citizens.
The exchange offered a rich blend of academic and cultural experiences.Students from Soong Ching Ling School, an institution renowned for its dedication to international education, joined Punahou classes in subjects like choir, art, music, and Chinese language. They also shadowed their Punahou hosts, gaining firsthand insight into daily school life in Hawai’i.
Beyond the classroom, the program prioritized personal connection.Students shared meals,participated in activities,and enjoyed a weekend homestay with Punahou families,experiencing the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality through hiking,local attractions,and shared meals.
“It’s such an awesome chance to have an international student in my house,” shared seventh grader Milena Peroff ’31, anticipating her hosting experience. “I’m so excited to share new experiences together, to learn more about their culture and hopefully improve my Chinese speaking.”
The Wo International Center’s work in facilitating this exchange underscores its core mission: to provide Punahou students with opportunities to connect with the world, cultivate cross-cultural understanding, and grow into responsible global citizens. This visit served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the transformative power of student-to-student connection,reinforcing Punahou’s dedication to openness and respect across cultures.
