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In June 2025, students from Dalian American International School embarked on two transformative service journeys that bridged cultures and uplifted communities. In the local town of Zhuanghe, volunteers brought academic support and inspiration to a rural primary school, fostering hope and educational equity through hands-on teaching. Meanwhile, in Kazakhstan, DAIS and Huamei students joined peers from NACIS Shanghai to revive the spirit of the Silk Road, sharing Chinese language and culture in classrooms from Shymkent to Astana. Though separated by geography, both trips were united by a common purpose: using knowledge, empathy, and cross-cultural connection to illuminate young minds and build a more inclusive world.
From June 15 to 21, 2025, sixteen student volunteers and two teachers traveled to Hehuashan School in Zhuanghe City, Liaoning province, to provide educational support to a remote primary school. This week-long initiative blended hands-on teaching with heartfelt service, aiming to uplift academic performance while deepening participants’ understanding of educational equity and social responsibility.
In classrooms filled with curiosity and hope, volunteers taught core subjects such as Chinese, math, and English, while also leading interactive workshops designed to spark imagination and broaden perspectives. The experience was not only transformative for the local students, it also reshaped the worldview of those who came to serve.
Selina Lu, DAIS/DHS Grade 11: "I joined the Zhuanghe trip to make a tangible difference in rural education while developing leadership skills. Serving as both a teacher and student leader, I co-designed a transformative class about Chinese universities—inspiring students who face limited academic opportunities. Witnessing their newfound motivation was profoundly meaningful.
This experience taught me the importance of adaptable preparation. While our lessons succeeded, I now recognize how deeper collaboration with teammates’ reflections could have strengthened our impact. Living the challenges of rural education reshaped my perspective on educational equity. This trip reinforced that true service requires equal parts planning, empathy, and responsiveness to human needs."
Michael Qi, DAIS/DHS Grade 12: "My inspiration for joining this trip came from my teaching experience in Chaoyang last year, which left a deep impression on me. Establishing a sustainable service system became my motivation for organizing this year's event. I also wanted to share knowledge in fields I'm passionate about—passing on learning brings me both mission and satisfaction.
I noticed many students struggle with dialectical thinking, often developing one-sided perspectives, particularly in remote areas where educational resources are limited. Through my teaching, I hoped to help them develop critical thinking skills and cultivate more global perspectives, guiding them to form their own values."
This journey was more than a teaching trip, it was a story of connection, growth, and purpose. May these young changemakers continue to use knowledge as a bridge and compassion as a guide, reaching communities where education can truly transform lives.
In June 2025, student volunteers from Dalian American International School (DAIS), Dalian Huamei School (DHS), and NACIS Shanghai traveled to Kazakhstan for a two-week cross-cultural teaching journey. Visiting both the historic city of Shymkent and the capital city Astana, they brought Chinese language and culture into the classroom as part of a broader mission inspired by China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The program aimed to revive the spirit of cultural exchange along the ancient Silk Road through modern education. Shymkent, a historic trade hub on the Silk Road, and Astana, a symbol of Kazakhstan’s modern development, became the backdrop for this meaningful educational exchange.
Student volunteers taught Chinese language and cultural topics through pinyin lessons, character writing, storytelling, and traditional crafts such as paper cutting and opera mask painting. These interactive sessions sparked curiosity and built heartfelt connections between students from both nations.
In Astana, the volunteers also engaged in meaningful conversations with local youth about the Belt and Road, Sino-Kazakh relations, and social change. Acting not just as teachers, they became cultural ambassadors and bridges for cross-border understanding.
Beyond the classroom, students explored Kazakhstan’s national museum, watched operas, experienced horseback riding, and even joined friendly soccer matches, fully immersing themselves in the culture and spirit of the new Silk Road.
Oscar Peng, DAIS/DHS Grade 10: "My trip to Kazakhstan this time was incredibly rewarding. I met many friendly locals and worked as a teacher, teaching Chinese and a bit of Chinese history. I made numerous friends, and I felt extremely happy throughout that period. Every moment there left a deep impression on me, making this journey a valuable and unforgettable experience in my life."
This unforgettable journey was more than teaching, it was a story of responsibility, understanding, and growth. May these students continue to shine their light across the globe, using knowledge as a bridge and culture as a guide！
Written by: Leon Li,
Michelle Mai
Photos: DAIS students
Editor: Svetlana Ulyakhina
