On Wednesday, April 1, our Middle and Upper School students studying Chinese embarked on an enriching cultural immersion field trip. Approximately 70 students in grades seven through 12 were accompanied by MICDS chaperones on this exciting adventure.
The day began with a visit to the St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS), where our students had the opportunity to engage with their peers in a vibrant bilingual learning environment. They visited various classrooms, including Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 4, and 5, and a middle school class. This interaction fostered an appreciation for language diversity as our Upper School students led and our Middle School students participated in interactive games and activities such as flashcard games, bingo, and say-the-word-on-the-beat. MICDS students also showcased their yo-yo skills and taught SLLIS students basic yo-yo techniques.
The day continued with a delightful family-style lunch at Cate Zone in Chesterfield. There, students enjoyed a delicious nine-course feast showcasing authentic Asian cuisine, encouraging conversation and camaraderie among classmates. The shared dining experience not only satisfied appetites but also reinforced the importance of community and togetherness. Another highlight was the singing competition among the Upper School students. Each class presented a song to the crowd, with chaperones acting as judges. Grade 10 took first place, followed by grade 12. Each winning student received a prize from the Winter Term Taiwan Trip.
After lunch, the group stopped at the Asian Market on Olive. This provided students with a unique chance to explore a variety of Asian foods and products, deepening their understanding of cultural nuances and culinary traditions. Students also completed a food scavenger hunt to find staple items. The excitement was palpable as students discovered new snacks and ingredients, further enhancing their connection to their heritage.
“This field trip was more than just a day out,” says Lily Childs, Upper School World Languages & Cultures Teacher. “It was a celebration of culture and a testament to our school’s partnership with a local educational institution. By engaging with their peers at SLLIS, MICDS students gained invaluable insights into the importance of language immersion and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.”
As we reflect on this wonderful experience, we extend our gratitude to our school for the field trip opportunity, the chaperones for their guidance and support, and to the staff at SLLIS for welcoming us into their community. This trip has strengthened our students’ connection to their culture and the local community, while providing them with lasting memories.
Students reflected on the experience and its impact:
This field trip contributed to my understanding of Chinese culture and traditions because it showed how anyone can learn Chinese, no matter how young they are,” said Michal Kenigsberg ’27. “It shows how innovative the language is and how it has grown to reach younger students.”
Ahmed Ansari ’28 said, “I understood how big of an impact the Chinese language and culture have on the St. Louis community. There are so many people who speak it and abide by many of its traditions, and to see those up close was cool.”
Ryan Moore ’28 enjoyed the shared meal. “I got to introduce myself to new people, talk to native speakers, and experience ordering food at an authentic Chinese restaurant,” he said.
“It showed me how Chinese culture can even be taught at a young age to kids of any ethnicity, and how enjoyable it is to immerse oneself in the culture,” said Bella Froedge ’28. “It is a difficult, yet fantastic culture to learn about. Plus, the food is amazing.”