During Spring Break 2016, eight FPD students embarked on what was the first student exchange trip to FPD’s Sister School, the Xiehe School, in Guangzhou, China. While in China, the students stayed with host family homes, attended classes at the Xiehe School, dined on campus, and participated in various sports and recreation activities. During the Wednesday of the trip, they even led a class of kindergarteners in games and activities. Leading the trip were FPD faculty members Sarah Futo and Lisa Spear, Middle School Social Studies Teachers, and Holly Scott, FPD Community Service Director.

“Since signing the Sister School Agreement in October 2015, FPD knew that an exchange trip was going to be a tremendous opportunity for our students,” remarked Dr. Barry Shealy, FPD Assistant Headmaster. “This trip gave these students the opportunity to interact with peers at the Xiehe School, explore of the Chinese culture, and learn more about our global community.”

Completing their world-wide excursion, the FPD students had a chance to take in some site-seeing including the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum, the Whampoa Military Academy, and the Guangzhou Tower.

The students had a wonderful time living in a different environment, tasting unfamiliar foods, and experiencing a new culture,” commented Futo. “They not only took away souvenirs and pictures, but also a lasting memory that has touched their heart and will stay with them forever.”

Looking back on the trip, FPD tenth grader Caitlin Farr noted,  “The main thing I took away from this experience is that there is so much more outside of FPD and Macon and that I shouldn’t limit my possibilities.”