Taiwanese Visitors Learn Things You Can’t Google at The Grauer School

The Grauer School hosted 10 students from Washington High School in Taichung, Taiwan, a sister city to both the school and the city of San Diego. Dr. Stuart Grauer, Head of School, noted, “International exchange is a fundamental part of the education we provide, because it promotes cultural diversity and 21^st century leadership opportunities.”

During their weeklong visit, the Taiwanese students were hosted by Grauer students and their families. They attended core academic classes and participated in elective classes with their Grauer host students. Socratic seminars are a regular feature of The Grauer School, and the Taiwanese had little experience with the process of asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking. “The Grauer teachers are so funny and open,” a visiting Taiwanese student observed. They were surprised that teachers interact and even sometimes debate with students in America, because students aren't allowed to engage in regular discussions in their classes in Taiwan.

The Taiwanese students said that the friendships they made with Grauer students during the week made their visit interesting and enjoyable. Favorite activities in Grauer classes included trying new instruments and playing songs together in Music class, learning about the stock market in Economics class, shooting archery and playing hockey games in Physical Education class because those sports were new to them, and going to the beach to identify marine plants in Marine Biology class. At home with their host families, the Taiwanese students were fascinated by American culture and the novelty of Mexican food. Highlights of their visit included a trip to Legoland, a visit to Congressman Scott Peters’ office, a tour of the Coffee Ambassador company to learn about entrepreneurship, and a trip to San Diego’s Old Town.

The culmination of the week was a collaborative Asian Lunar New Year on Friday, an annual Grauer School celebration. The event began with Chinese cuisine, followed by music and dance performances from Grauer and Taiwanese students. Audience members learned Chinese calligraphy and envisioned East Asian mythical monsters in theatrical presentations from Chinese students in attendance at Grauer. The assembly ended with a cross-cultural music performance that included students from the United States, China, and Taiwan.

Jillian Bourdon, Grauer’s International Center Coordinator, worked with Cicely Meng of San Diego Study Tour to plan this visit and the activities for the students. Bourdon said, “Grauer’s international center and outreach program are vital because they give Grauer students consistent opportunities to develop personal relationships with students from all over the world. Everyone benefits when cultural barriers are broken down so they can learn from and collaborate with each other.”

The Grauer School, an independent grades 7-12 school, is UNESCO-affiliated with more than 175 sister schools worldwide. Dr. Grauer noted, “Grauer is an influencer and role model for schools around the world. Over the last almost three decades, we have continued to expand our regional, national and global presence through strategic and concerted efforts. International students can bring a more democratic education model back to their home countries and potentially initiate real change in local education.”

Grauer’s Expeditionary Learning program also gives Grauer students the opportunity to experience international culture through week-long expeditions abroad each year. This year’s program features student- and teacher-developed expeditions in service and cultural immersion to Costa Rica and Panama. Through the years, students have traveled on expeditions to many different countries including Cuba, India, Tanzania, China, Spain, France, and Greece. Dr. Grauer said, “Expeditionary learning, done right, consistently provides life-changing experiences for our students, in accordance with the school’s motto, Learn by Discovery.”

Dr. Grauer also noted, “Beyond hosting and scholarship, our twice-yearly student-teacher exchanges and journeys bring friendship and resources to people and places all over the world. At Grauer, we believe there are no greater millennial skills than friendship and mentoring. You can’t Google that.”

About The Grauer School

The Grauer School, founded in 1991, is a grades 7-12 private, college preparatory school located in Encinitas, California. The school is a member of NAIS, accredited by WASC and serves as a successful educational model for hundreds of private schools around the world through the Small Schools Coalition (SSC), established by Dr. Stuart Grauer in 2011. To learn more about The Grauer School, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760/944-6777.