Organized by the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations (NCUSCR) and the China Education Association for International Exchange, the Student Leaders Exchange brings a delegation of U.S. Presidential Scholars and top young science talent to China each summer. From 2014 to 2018, Yihai sponsored and hosted the program, giving these future American leaders the chance to live with local families, learn traditional arts and see the country for themselves.
In 2014, Yihai began sponsoring the Student Leaders Exchange. Twelve U.S. Presidential Scholars, the highest honor for American high school graduates, traveled to Beijing for a four-day visit with Yihai students and host families.
On July 11, 2015, Yihai welcomed its second delegation of 12 Presidential Scholars. Chairwoman Linda Wang, Vice Chair of NCUSCR’s Education Committee, opened the ceremony, noting that the foundation of friendship between nations lies with their people.
Each American student stayed one-on-one with a local host family. Over the following days they practiced tai chi, martial arts and calligraphy, writing “U.S.–China friendship forever” in seal script, toured the Forbidden City, tasted Peking duck, climbed the Great Wall at Badaling and visited the 798 Art District before traveling on to Sichuan.
The 2016 delegation of 12 Presidential Scholars and Intel Science Talent Search finalists moved in with local families, made dumplings together and shared lunch in the school cafeteria.
They learned kung fu fan routines and calligraphy, visited historic sites and a school for children of migrant workers, and traveled on to Sichuan, Chengdu and Guiyang, building friendships and cross-cultural skills they would carry into their university years.
Of more than three million American high school graduates in 2017, only 161 received the Presidential Scholars award. Twelve of them, joined by Intel Science Talent Search honorees, arrived on July 13 for the fourth Yihai-hosted exchange.
After the welcome ceremony, the students painted lotus flowers and decorated fans with Yihai students, with Linda Wang guiding them brush in hand. Speaking to Xinhua, she explained that the program helps young Americans see China as it really is, and that Yihai is committed to supporting education for the long term.
The 2018 delegation of 12 Presidential Scholars and Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists was welcomed with a dragon dance, then joined Yihai students for ice-breaker games and a water-sleeve dance lesson.
Over four days they visited the Great Wall, a kung fu performance and the Da Vinci & Lu Ban art and science exhibition at 798. On the last day, American and Chinese students planted a Tree of Friendship beside the lake at Yihai Garden before the delegation continued to Sichuan and Guizhou.
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