I learned more through this experience than I ever thought possible. I came home a better educator and a better person because of CEI. That last statement sounds like hyperbole but is not. One of our group said that perspective can only be gained through experience and I now have a way to understand China, education, and America in ways that I could not have attained were it not for CEI.

-- Bradley Chamberlain, Assistant Principal for Academics, Turpin High School, Cincinnatti, OH

This was absolutely the most valuable educational experience of my 32 year career!  I learned so much about Chinese culture, the Chinese educational system, and most importantly the amazing students and educators in the schools we visited. I have made new friends- both near and far- who I will treasure forever. 

-- Leah Christman, Assistant Superintendent, Southern Lehigh School District, Center Valley, PA

The trip really is an in depth look at Chinese culture and education. I have never felt so honored and welcomed by a group of people in my entire life. 

-- Jim Eibel, Principal, Prospect Elementary School, Oberlin, OH

It is difficult to put into words how the experience has impacted me both personally and professionally.  I was touched by the sincere outpouring of hospitality extended to me and my American colleagues. I was enthralled by the beauty of the Chinese people and their unique culture. Yet, I have come to realize that kids and teachers are the same, even half a world apart. Although we each have the ability to bridge the cultural and communication gaps between us through the use of technology, the best way to foster lasting relationships is through face to face encounters such as those provided by this program.

-- Thomas P. Fleming, Jr., Superintendent, Richland School District, PA

This was an intense and powerful learning experience for me, both about schools and education and about culture and history.  I found the experience especially powerful when I stopped comparing and started just appreciating and learning.  The people of China were warm, friendly, gracious and curious.  I loved getting to know the students and teachers in the schools who demonstrated such openness and enthusiasm about sharing their school and learning about American education.

-- Ted Hall, Principal, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth, ME

The China exchange experience was truly a life changing experience.  It allowed me to grow in knowledge, perspective and understanding of the Chinese culture and education system.  Each day provided wonderful experiences that were both enjoyable and enlightening.  At this point in my career I have had many professional development experiences, but none as impactful as this.

-- Kirk Hamilton, Executive Director of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), Columbus, OH

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity! It is an experience that others can’t understand. One would have to experience it themselves to fully understand the impact that it has made on my life and profession. 

-- Katie Klei, Principal, Primary North School, Greenhills, OH

The China Exchange Initiative provided insight for me about the Chinese education system and culture, and provided a solid contact for a burgeoning partnership.  More importantly, however, the experience was a reminder that the human experience is what connects us, no matter cultural or language differences.  Because of the program, I have a new “brother” in China.

-- Kenneth Lockette, Principal, Avonworth High School, Pittsburgh, PA

This trip was a life changing experience that I will never forget. My daily interactions with the Chinese school students was overwhelming and emotionally gratifying.

-- Darrell Markley, Principal, Oley Valley High School, Oley, PA

I would do it all over again. 

-- Louise Mason, Principal, Girard Junior High School, Girard, OH

When first thought about applying for the PSP program, I thought I was embarking on an exploration of new frontiers.  Now that I have been to China and back, I realize my journey has just begun.  I have friends in a city that I did not know existed only one year ago.  Those friends are attempting to provide the best education possible for the children in their community.  I am doing the same.  We live a half of world apart, have different cultures, and different approaches to education, but we are now eager to help each other help of students be the best they can be.

-- Scott Mills, Superintendent, Northern Wells Community School Corporation, Ossian, IN

I had an absolutely wonderful experience!  My Chinese hosts were so friendly, welcoming, and hospitable that I felt instantly at home.  I enjoyed rich conversations with the Chinese principals, teachers, and students about education, best practices, professional development, and teacher evaluations.  Equally valuable were our conversations about American and Chinese culture, families, and current events.  It was incredible to share ideas, laugh together, and realize we have so many more things in common than we have differences.  I would highly recommend this exchange to others – I would do it again in a heartbeat!

-- Karen R. Nell, Assistant Principal, Manheim Township High School, Lancaster, PA

This experience has changed my life.  I have taken many things for granted in my world.  It gave me another way to think.

-- Bernie Pachmayer, Superintendent, Knox County Career Center, Mt. Vernon, OH

This was a life-changing experience for me.  The friendships that I developed on both personal and professional levels will never be lost.  I look forward to the continued relationship with my partner school in China and the exchange of ideas, students, and faculty that will surely develop from this opportunity. 

-- Jace Palmer, Assistant Principal, Upper St. Clair High School, Upper St. Clair, PA

A great experience that made me more aware of the world and the need for global studies in our schools. 

-- Lester Pierson, Principal, Rossford Junior High, Rossford, OH

The exchange experience was probably the single most rewarding professional experience of my life.  The reason is that it was primarily concerned with education in China and the comparative differences with the USA.  However, the experience was crafted within a deep cultural context that led to a profound personal breakthrough in understanding of both our similarities and differences – not to mention genuine friendship.  The collegial interactions were awesome and very much underscored and validated my personal experiences.

-- Jim Quaglia, Superintendent, Blue Hills Regional Technical School, Canton, MA

This has been the most meaningful experience next to my marriage and the birth of my children. 

-- Steven Ramos, Principal, Heritage Middle School, Painesville, OH

I feel that my visit to China helped to broaden my perspective of education in general.  Not all systems are good or bad, but just different and that we all can learn from each other.  You just have to have an open mind!

-- Susan Rauch, Principal, Fort Frye High School, Beverly, OH

I am so glad that I had this opportunity – what I experienced touched my soul.  I met so many warm-hearted, generous people from the village in Pangliu, the family we had dinner with in the Hutong in Beijing, the teachers and students in my host school, and my fellow colleagues from the USA.  

-- Diana Robbins, Career & Tech Education Director, Newton North High School, Newton, MA

I often share a quote attributed to Napoleon, “Let China sleep for when she wakes, the world will quake.”  China is awakened and it is in both China and America’s interest that they come to know each other’s culture, language and traditions as each nation assumes a leadership role in the 21^st Century.  Enabling Chinese and American educators to meet one another and to engage in substantive dialogue about teaching and learning can only enhance the relationship between these two countries. From this initial exchange, we hope that many of our students and teachers and theirs will enjoy firsthand the opportunity to visit one another.

-- Ted Sharp, Superintendent, Gorham Public Schools, Gorham, ME

“Just Do It!  You won’t regret it.  In order to better understand who we are and what we need to do we need to step back and look at it from a different perspective.  You can’t get much more of a different perspective than this educational experience.

-- Donna Sroka, Technology Coordinator, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton, MA

This experience was nothing short of life-changing.  Our perception is our reality.  When we visit the distant land of China in person, our view of the world broadens, yet contracts at the same time.  We see more, but in doing so come to the realization that the world is not a big as we had once thought.  Our great hope for a better world lies squarely in the hands of the people of our world.  The Chinese people are gracious, humble (to a fault), inviting, compassionate and hard working human beings.  We have much to learn from each other.  This experience has enriched my being profoundly!”

-- William Young, Principal, United Local High School, Hanoverton, OH