The children and faculty of Yew Chung were very welcoming during my 3-week stay. They demonstrated great patience explaining things to me and I am grateful for the time and effort they took to share their culture with me.

In the United States, many schools claim they are preparing their students for the 21^st century. At Yew Chung, they are living it now. With an academic curriculum that meets the needs of their students, a harmonious blending of oriental and western cultures, and their emphasis on the world as their classroom, these children are already active members of the “Global Community” we so often talk about.

I was pleased to be able to share a part of our American culture with the Hong Kongers, especially the cultural objects created by my fourth graders. They did a superb job. I am grateful to my students’ parents who helped with the projects, especially Mrs. Tagliente, Mrs. McCluskey, and Mrs. Kelly. I’d like to thank SOCES PTA for paying for the video conversion; New York State PTA for the Richard Garzolla Teacher Fellowship; and Ms. Meatto, faculty and staff at Cottage Lane School for their support and encouragement. Special thanks go to Mr. Branzburg, the web master for this site, and to Dr. LeBreck for including me in her Global Educators Program.

This has been an unforgettable experience. There’s so much I’m looking forward to sharing with my students. I hope I’ve helped the Hong Kong Chinese develop an understanding of, and fondness for, America. I’m sure my students will develop a special attachment for Hong Kong when this cultural exchange has come full circle.

Although I’m sad to be leaving Hong Kong, and that my adventure has come to an end, I know that Dorothy was right, “There’s no place like home….”