On April 15, 2025, a group of students from Ravenscroft School — a Pre-K to Grade 12 independent school in Raleigh, North Carolina — visited the University of British Columbia. Their trip was part of a week-long educational journey through Vancouver, aimed at deepening their understanding of Chinese heritage and immigrant communities in one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. The Ravenscroft delegation included 13 students from Grades 10 to 12, accompanied by three teachers. For many of these students who currently study Chinese, this visit to Vancouver — a city renowned for its rich and vibrant Chinese Canadian history — held special meaning.
UBC and Ravenscroft students with their professors posing together for a group photo
This event was hosted by Li Yang (UBC Asian Studies) and Chiayin Yu, two dedicated lecturers from the Chinese Language Program (CLP), with enthusiastic support from 26 students in Li Yang’s CHIN 233 course. As part of an effort to engage language learners in real-world tasks, CHIN 233 students were invited to take on the role of UBC ambassadors. They proudly introduced the visitors to the UBC campus and offered personal insights into student life and the vibrant community of Chinese cultural learning at UBC.
To prepare for the visit, CHIN 233 students collaborated to create a video tour guidebook as part of their coursework. The guidebook featured a range of topics introducing UBC and the city of Vancouver. This video guidebook was shared with the Ravenscroft group ahead of their arrival, offering them a chance to familiarize themselves with UBC and to engage with the CHIN 233 students by asking questions or leaving comments on the platform.
Video tour guidebook
CHIN 233 students eagerly welcomed the Ravenscroft visitors to UBC, kicking off the day with a lively campus tour. The excitement began at the Asian Centre Auditorium, where everyone gathered for a warm introduction to UBC, followed by a fun ice-breaker activity that quickly sparked conversation and new connections.
Gathering at the Asian Centre Auditorium for introductions
Introducing UBC to the visiting students
Introducing the Chinese Language Program (CLP)
Students participating in icebreaker activities
After the engaging introduction, the students split into three smaller groups to explore the campus, with CHIN 233 students serving as wonderful tour guides and cultural interpreters. During the tour, the UBC leaders introduced activities to promote interaction and language practice, fostering an enriching exchange between the groups.
Smaller teams during the campus tour
Ravenscroft School Students Feedback
The Ravenscroft visitors shared glowing feedback about their UBC experience, describing it as an unforgettable day filled with inspiration, discovery, and beautiful cherry blossoms. Many students expressed a deepened passion for international studies, language learning, and cultural exploration, with one student even naming UBC as a top choice for future postgraduate studies.
Teachers also reflected on the impact of the tour, celebrating it as a powerful way to open new horizons for students and reinforce the importance of language learning in today’s interconnected world. Across the board, the experience left a lasting impression of excitement, connection, and shared enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture.
“This was such an awesome experience, especially with such lovely weather on our visit! I plan on pursuing a degree in International Studies in the future and I’m particularly interested in studying different Asian cultures. I have family here in Canada so UBC is definitely one of the postgraduate options at the top of my list, not to mention the campus is so pretty with all the cherry blossoms!”
“I’ve always been interested in Chinese immigration and the history behind it, which is what led me to this school program. I love traveling and learning new languages, so going on this tour really broadened my passion!”
“As a teacher, there’s nothing more fulfilling than introducing new pathways for our students. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to engage them in the learning of different cultures and how language is so important to our system today. We are a diverse bunch but yet we all have a shared passion for language! The students really work hard in studying Chinese as most of them wish to be able to fluently communicate in it.”
UBC Students’ Feedback
UBC students reflected warmly on the visit, describing it as a memorable opportunity to share their experiences and connect across cultures. Many appreciated the chance to introduce UBC’s vibrant learning environment to the Ravenscroft visitors. The energy and curiosity of the American students left a strong impression, with one UBC student commenting on how inspiring it was to hear about their ambitious future plans and see their enthusiasm for learning firsthand.
“I believe the tour was a great way for foreign students to learn more about our program and, in general, what it's like to study different cultures here in UBC. I had a lot of fun interacting with the students from the United States and answering all their questions! It makes me happy seeing them being so curious about our school.”
“The American group gives off such great energy! They were really well-behaved and I loved hearing about most of their future plans; they really have their goals set out for them!”
Ravenscroft high school students and teacher in front of IKB Library
This cross-border cultural exchange between American high school Ravenscroft students and UBC’s Chinese Language Program students reflects a genuine interest in exploring a language and culture vastly different from their own. Their dedication to language learning highlights not only perseverance and intellectual curiosity but also a forward-thinking, global mindset. Just as inspiring were our own CLP students, who warmly welcomed them and embodied the very best of what UBC stands for: ingenuity, integrity, and a deep commitment to building a more connected world.
We invite you to follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and RedNote for updates on future events, classes and workshops where you can participate! All of our events aim to be learning experiences that foster personal growth and deeper connections, encouraging a robust community within our program.
Written by Karissa Tang (邓淇元)
Karissa Tang (邓淇元) is an undergraduate Music student in her second year at UBC, pursuing a dual degree in Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education (Secondary). As a heritage speaker who grew up in Canada, she has the unique experience of living between two languages: one spoken at school, and the other spoken with her family. In her first year, Karissa’s passion for teaching led her to join the CLP as an OP volunteer, where she taught Chinese to students. Inspired by the enthusiasm of many non-native learners, she later became an active member of the program’s Social Media and Events (SE) Team. Through this role, she promotes Chinese language and culture to a wider audience at UBC and beyond. Karissa hopes to continue breaking down language barriers and connecting students from around the world through a shared love of learning, the arts, and culture.
