Punahou School recently welcomed 12 students from Soong Ching Ling School in Shanghai, China, for a week of cultural exchange that blended classroom learning, cultural sharing and family homestays. The visit, hosted by the Wo International Center, reflected the school’s commitment to building global connections and preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the wider world.
The Soong Ching Ling School, named after one of modern China’s most influential leaders and dedicated to international-minded education, has built a reputation for fostering global awareness and cross-cultural understanding among its students. Its connection with Punahou is part of a broader effort to create opportunities for young people to learn across borders and form friendships that transcend geography.
The week began with a welcome at the Wo International Center and a greeting at Kapunahou where the visiting students received lei before setting out on campus tours and joining Punahou classes. They participated in choir, art, music, chapel, Chinese language study and shadowed their host student, giving them a firsthand view of school life in Hawai‘i.
Beyond academics, the exchange provided opportunities for students to connect on a personal level. Lunchtimes and small gatherings allowed them to compare experiences, laugh together and begin forming friendships that carried through the week. That connection deepened during the homestay weekend, as the visitors joined Punahou families for a range of activities that reflected everyday life in the Islands. Students went hiking, watched fireworks in Waikīkī and shared meals they cooked together. Others visited Sea Life Park, explored Dole Plantation and local malls, picnicked outdoors, played chess and enjoyed shave ice. The experiences offered a genuine glimpse into Hawai‘i’s culture and hospitality, as well as the warmth of Punahou’s community.
Seventh grader Milena Peroff ’31, who was preparing to host one of the students, looked forward to the experience. “It’s such an awesome opportunity to have an international student in my house, staying with me. I’m so excited to share new experiences together, to learn more about their culture and hopefully improve my Chinese speaking.”
The Wo International Center, which leads Punahou’s international initiatives, played a central role in shaping the visit. Its mission is to create opportunities for Punahou students to engage with the world, develop cross-cultural understanding and grow as globally minded citizens. The exchange with Soong Ching Ling School exemplified that work, giving students the chance to practice language skills, share traditions and build friendships that may continue long after the week ended.
As the School reflected on the visit, the spirit of global exchange shone brightly – an affirmation of Punahou’s commitment to nurturing openness and respect across cultures. This visit was more than just a school trip – it was a reminder of the power of connection and the ways in which students can inspire one another to see the world as both vast and deeply interconnected.
