From Warsaw to Chongqing: How ITSW Students Immersed Themselves in Chinese Language and Culture
In April 2025, students from Grades 4 to 8 at the International Trilingual School of Warsaw (ITSW) embarked on an unforgettable journey to China. What awaited them was more than sightseeing — it was a living experience of everything they had been studying for years: the Chinese language, culture, values, and human connection.
A Warm Welcome in Chongqing: Building Friendships Through Cultural Exchange
From the moment they landed in Chongqing, our students were welcomed with open arms. The opening ceremony was filled with heartfelt smiles, warm greetings from their host families, and the start of friendships that blossomed throughout the week.
School Visits and Full Immersion with Local Students
Over the course of the exchange, our students visited multiple primary schools across the city — Gaotanyan, TiantaiGang Yajule, Huashi Zhongxu, YCIS, and Shapingba First Experimental. In each school, they were not just visitors, but active participants. Side by side with Chinese peers, they joined classes, shared their stories, played games, and laughed together — all in Chinese. For many, it was their first time fully immersed in a Chinese-speaking environment outside the classroom, and they rose to the occasion beautifully.
Exploring Chongqing: Culture, Landmarks, and Daily Life
This journey extended far beyond academics. Our students explored historic streets and bustling markets, cruised along the river through Chongqing’s breathtaking skyline, visited the beloved pandas at the Chongqing Zoo, and discovered the rich history of Chinese characters at the Three Gorges Museum. They rode the famous Yangtze River cable car and watched in awe as the light rail train glided through buildings — a vivid glimpse into the harmony of tradition and modern innovation in China.
Celebrating the Experience: Final Ceremony and Student Performances
On their final evening, our students took to the stage for a joyful closing ceremony — a celebration of everything they had learned and experienced. Surrounded by host families, teachers, and school leaders, they performed with pride and gratitude. The room was filled with music, laughter, and emotion — a true reflection of the bonds built through cultural exchange.
Language Immersion from Age One at ITSW
At ITSW, students begin learning Chinese as early as age one through our full-immersion program. Watching them speak confidently with local children, express themselves, and adapt with ease to a new cultural environment is a testament to the power of this approach. It’s what we strive for: not just fluent language use, but authentic, lived communication.
Reflections from Teachers, Students, and the Founder
As one of our Chinese language teachers shared:
“Seeing our students use Chinese naturally — not just to answer questions, but to build relationships — was powerful. It reminded me why language truly matters.”
For Founder Anna Maliszewska, who accompanied the students throughout the trip, the experience was deeply meaningful:
“It was a full-circle moment. I’ve spent years building a Chinese program that goes beyond textbooks. This journey showed what’s possible when language becomes a bridge between worlds.”
Media Coverage of ITSW’s China Exchange Trip
Our visit received wide attention across Chinese media. We are proud to share some of the featured coverage:
📎 DotDotNews article
📹 Bilibili video
📱 Weibo post
📰 Toutiao article
🎞️ Douyin video
📺 YouTube – DotDotNews
🌍 YouTube – Dot International
A Global Learning Experience Beyond the Classroom
This was more than a school trip. It was the culmination of years of dedication, a living lesson in global citizenship, and a powerful reminder that language is not only learned — it is shared, lived, and used to connect people across the world.