Zion hosts Chinese students

FALLBROOK – Zion Lutheran School played host to 27 students from the city of Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, in Southern China. They ranged in age from 10 to 15. The camp, which was held in July, was aided by the participation of some of Zion’s current students, alumni, and their friends.

The Chinese students were here to practice their English and find out about the American lifestyle. They lived with host families in the area and took part in a wide variety of team-building, science, and language activities with American students on Zion’s campus.

Off campus, they enjoyed their first barbecue and pool party, touring the USS Midway in San Diego Bay, visiting Get Air in Temecula, sampling their first Mexican food, and having fun at both Disneyland and Universal Studios.

The home experience becomes a great cultural exchange as the Chinese students learn about real life in America, and the American families learn something about China from their guests. There are always a few tears shed as students bid farewell to their American families on the final day.

This is the fifth year that Zion has hosted Chinese students. Organizers said it is always a rewarding experience for all who participate.