Norfolk Academy Welcomes Exchange Students from Beijing No. 101

Norfolk, VA, February 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- On Sunday, January 27, a delegation from Beijing No. 101, one of China’s most prestigious high schools, arrived in Norfolk, Virginia. Fifteen students accompanied by two chaperones will spend two weeks with their hosts at Norfolk Academy.

According to the school’s Headmaster, Mr. Dennis G. Manning, “We are honored to host the students and teachers from Beijing No. 101, and look forward to building a strong cultural and educational exchange program with this elite institution. Welcoming students and faculty members from Beijing No. 101 marks the culmination of our efforts -- to find and establish a strong educational partner and peer institution in China. We have much to learn from one another."

Norfolk Academy has several long-standing exchange programs with partner schools throughout the world, including Copernicus-Gymnasium Löningen in Germany, Saint Dominique in France, and Holy Trinity College in Argentina. Mr. Manning also observed, “It is an auspicious start to our schools' relationship as we begin this exchange at the same time we celebrate our 40th year of partnership with Copernicus-Gymnasium in Löningen, Germany. Our hope is that our partnership with Beijing No. 101 will endure for at least 40 years.”

Already, the Chinese exchange students have made an indelible impression on students, faculty, and families at Norfolk Academy. “Our exchange students from Beijing arrived excited and eager to learn. From the first introductions at the airport, to shared classes, eating lunches and watching play rehearsal and sports practices our visiting students quickly immersed themselves into Norfolk Academy's life and culture,” observed Mr. Bernie McMahon, a Norfolk Academy faculty coordinator for the Chinese exchange program. In addition to attending classes and school related activities, the students will have the opportunity to participate in several field trips and special events. These activities will introduce the students to our region’s rich history and immerse the Chinese teenagers in American culture.

Field trips include visits to Monticello, UVA, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. The students will also participate in Super Bowl festivities, take in a college basketball game at ODU (vs. George Mason), visit the Chrysler Museum’s Glass Studio, and reserve a little time for shopping at the MacArthur Center.

Norfolk Academy and Beijing No. 101 are members of the WLSA (World Leading Schools Association), a highly prestigious group of the top schools worldwide whose mission is to promote educational exchange and cooperation between leading secondary schools in China and the rest of the World. Other member schools include Groton, Harvard-Westlake School, and Eton College (UK).

The students visiting from Beijing No.101 will return home on February 8th. Norfolk Academy students will visit Beijing No. 101 in June 2013.