Carver students take trip to China for summer exchange program
September 2013
By Kirk A. Sykes, Principal, Carver Vocational-Technical High School
In the spirit of international cooperation and educational exchange, technical schools from Baltimore and China continued their formal sister-school agreement with the second “Meet in Xiamen” Summer Exchange Camp from July 14 – 23, 2013. Students from Carver Vocational-Technical High School and Xiamen Electronic Vocational School participated in cultural exchanges, Chinese lessons and industry visits this summer in the coastal city of Xiamen. Xiamen, a port city of more than 6 million people on China’s East Coast, has had a sister city relationship with Baltimore since 1985. The sister school relationship was proposed by the Xiamen Mayor’s office during the visit of a Baltimore trade mission in 2008.
On July 11, 2013 eight Carverstudentsfrom various career pathways along with Carver’s principal, Mr. Sykes, arrived in Beijing. While in Beijing, students visited area landmarks including The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and The Temple of Heaven. The time in Beijing allowed the travelers to acclimate and prepare for the Summer Exchange Program.
The Summer Exchange Camp began with the opening ceremony. Students from both schools listened to words of encouragement from the Principal Sykes, visiting dignitaries and students. The week that followed was filled with Chinese lessons, dumpling making classes, and calligraphy sessions. Both schools benefited from the opportunity to work together on projects. Other activities included field trips to Gulang or Piano Island, a visit to the Xiamen Planning and Exhibition Hall, and an afternoon at the Xiamen Science and Technology Museum. The Exchange Camp ended on July 21, 2013 with an award ceremony and promises to stay in touch via email. All of the participants expressed how much they learned from the experience. Many of the students have become mentors for younger peers and all have made numerous presentations to share the experience with others.
Xiamen Electronic Vocational School is one of China’s top vocational training high schools. Their student population is about 4,200 and they have more than 320 teachers including 16 English language teachers. The school offers courses incomputer systems and repair, computer software, communications, e-business, automotive electronics, elevator and escalator repair/maintenance and multimedia technology. All students are required to take 2 years of English language. The school has a 97% graduation rate with 85% going on to college level vocational and other studies.