Haileybury is renowned for the diversity and excellence of its language programs, offering students the opportunity to study Chinese, French, Japanese and Latin. Research shows that learning a language provides students with a range of cognitive, academic and social benefits, from enhancing memory, problem-solving and concentration skills, to deepening cultural understanding and preparing students to thrive in a globalised world.
At Haileybury, language and cultural learning begins in the early years and continues through to VCE. Junior School students are introduced to the foundations of language, cultural traditions and global perspectives, offering them a ‘taster’ of what is to come in later years. In Middle School, students build on this foundation with a focus on communication skills and practical language use, supported by a rich program of cultural incursions and excursions. As students progress, they have the opportunity to further extend their learning through international exchanges and study tours to countries such as China, Japan, France and Mauritius.
The Chinese program attracts a diverse cohort, with both students with a Chinese heritage who wish to deepen their language skills and cultural connection, and those from other backgrounds who are keen to embrace the challenge and broaden their horizons. Many students find themselves drawn to the rich history and culture of China, as well as the opportunities that come from speaking one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.
For Senior School students enrolled in Chinese Units 1 and 2, and 3 and 4, the Chinese Language Study Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to accelerate their learning and immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture. This three-week tour, held at the end of the academic year, leverages our special partnership with Haileybury Tianjin, our school in China, and is designed to:
- immerse students in a Chinese-speaking environment to significantly boost their language proficiency
- build confidence in conversational Chinese through real-life interactions such as ordering meals, navigating transport, and shopping
- broaden understanding of China’s linguistic and cultural diversity, as explored throughout the curriculum
- explore the influence of both ancient and modern China on the global stage by visiting sites of historical and cultural significance
- foster independence, leadership and organisational skills as students manage their time and plan aspects of the tour.
Head of Chinese at Haileybury, Wendy Gao, says, “I have seen students grow not only in confidence, but also in their independence, teamwork, and intercultural understanding. Their willingness to embrace new experiences and communicate in Chinese makes the study tour truly worthwhile.”
The Study Tour takes place during the last two weeks of Term 1A, with students returning home in time to celebrate Christmas with their families. Since its launch in 2016, the tour has been a resounding success, returning in 2024 after a pause due to COVID-19. Strong interest in the 2025 program reflects both the value placed on Chinese studies and the positive experiences of students who have participated previously.
Jaslyn, a participant in the 2024 tour, reflects:
“Even if you aren’t confident in speaking Chinese, you don’t need to worry about making mistakes. It’s a learning experience, and most people in China are impressed if you simply try to speak to them.”
The tour combines travel and study, beginning with five days in Taipei, Taiwan. Here, students explore the city’s vibrant heritage and architecture, from the historic precincts of Old Taipei to contemporary landmarks like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101. The experience is enriched by sampling local cuisine, and visiting temples and bustling night markets.
The upcoming 2025 study tour includes a highly anticipated visit to Chengdu, China, where students will delve into Chinese traditions, enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance, and visit the renowned Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre. A final highlight is a day trip to see the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha, carved out of a cliff and built in the Han dynasty. The next 10 days are spent at Haileybury Senior School, Tianjin (HSST). Students live in the boarding house and attend multiple Chinese language sessions daily, focusing on various aspects of life in China (hosted by Haileybury Melbourne Chinese teachers) and finishing off with classes with their HSST buddies.
Other immersive activities including preparing for and hosting a HSST Assembly for their hosts, connecting through sport such as soccer, basketball and table tennis, and building friendships with their ‘buddies’ and local students.
Henry, another 2024 participant, shares:
“One of my favourite parts of the trip was experiencing life at the Haileybury Tianjin campus. It’s so different to what we experience in Melbourne, with students living full-time on campus. I learnt how to communicate with people who may not speak English and how to navigate new environments.”
Erica, also from the 2024 cohort, adds:
“I learnt that it’s important to make friends and not be afraid to connect with new people. You only live once, so experiences like this matter. I also got to discover new cultures and realised that Taiwan is very similar to Japan in many ways, which I might not have understood without this trip.”
In between the two weeks study at Haileybury Tianjin, students travel on the high-speed train to Pingyao, in Shanxi, mainland China, to visit one of the very few ancient cities still with a grand city wall that has been preserved. Here, students can see how Chinese culture and values are reflected in the architecture.
The tour concludes in Beijing with a visit to Mutianyu, one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. For the final challenge, students independently navigate the Beijing subway to visit the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, putting their language and organisational skills to the test.
Students return from the Chinese Language Study Tour not only with improved language proficiency, but also with greater cultural awareness, confidence and independence. They come home with lasting memories, new friendships and a deeper understanding of the world, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
