Summer break has arrived, and students can finally unwind. With suitcases packed, headphones on, and seatbelts buckled, they are ready for an international trip with new experiences, unforgettable memories- and the company of two KHS principals. 

On Aug. 4, 14 students, Principal Jennifer Oluwole, and Assistant Principal Matthew Arroyo traveled to Tangshan, China, on an educational trip. The trip was funded by an IPERC (International Partnership if Education Research and Communication) grant, reducing the cost to three hundred dollars per student.

The organization of the trip also came directly from IPERC, an organization that partners with schools worldwide to develop educational programs, connecting students across continents and cultures. According to Principal Jennifer Oluwole, the group traveled with a tour guide, a doctor, and security for the duration of the trip. “IPERC has been running programs like these for more than ten years, and they had every aspect of the trip coordinated,” said Oluwole.

This opportunity was brought to KHS through word of mouth at Montclair State University. The funding came through partner schools working with IPERC in China. The only costs for students were the fees for travel insurance and visa application; otherwise, it was an all-expenses-paid trip, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals.

Students who were interested in attending had just five days to apply and provide necessary paperwork, like passports, medical documentation, and visa applications. From there, 14 students were chosen by a lottery system. “We had close to 30 students who wanted to attend, but this was an unexpected opportunity, and we unfortunately had to turn students away,” said Oluwole. 

The trip spanned six days, each planned out meticulously by the coordinators at IPERC. During their visit, KHS students explored different parts of Chinese culture. Junior Sabrina Lopez said, “It was breathtaking looking around because there’s just culture everywhere. People were dressed up in their traditional outfits, and I was so happy seeing it and being able to dress up like them.” 

From street food to delicacies like pufferfish, members of KHS tried a variety of Chinese cuisine. “I wanted to go to China because I wanted to experience the culture shock of trying new things, and my favorite part was eating the rice there,” said junior Reagan Brush. 

Furthermore, students explored famous historical sites, such as the Great Wall of China, South Lake, and the Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qing Dynasty. “The fact that you’re seeing, in-person, historic monuments and different cultures that you’ve learned about in history class is amazing,” said Arroyo.

From painting ceramic mugs and creating ornamental pufferfish out of clay, KHS students connected with Chinese students at partner schools, bonding through art. “I think students were probably pleasantly surprised by the fact that life [in China] looks very similar to life here. Even though there was a language barrier, our students were still able to communicate and connect with students there,” said Oluwole. 

A tour of a local locomotive museum, which featured trains from around the world, affirmed the connections between China and the members of KHS. “It was funny because I was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, and when we were there at the museum, they had a train from Paterson,” said Arroyo. 

For some students, this trip represented more than just sightseeing.  “My grandma started crying because she was grateful that one of her family members got the opportunity to go to a different continent. I never thought I’d be able to go to Asia at such a low price,” said Lopez. This perspective applies even to individuals who are not students. Arroyo said, “I would have never thought my first time traveling abroad would be with 14 students going to China. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

These kinds of partnerships and programs are likely to continue in the future. “There are pieces that have to come together, but the sky’s the limit. Whether it’s IPERC or another organization, our goal is to give more students international opportunities and enrich their lives beyond the classroom,” said Oluwole.