The connection between Haileybury’s multiple campuses brings a whole world of experiences to life for students, whether that be visiting any one of Melbourne’s four campuses, or our international campus in China — Haileybury Tianjin.
Over the past year, the Haileybury Rendall School and Tianjin (China) partnership has gone from strength to strength, creating some fantastic opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a new culture and to make friends from across the globe.
Earlier this year at HRS, we rolled out the red carpet for Haileybury Tianjin’s International Principal, Renee Coventry, who spent time getting to know the school community and exploring ways the two campuses can work even more closely together. The excitement is now building for the next China Study Tour, with a group of students and staff set to head off to Tianjin in September. For the students who will be taking part, it is a chance to experience life on campus in China and to bring back memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
Our student exchange experiences enable students from both China and Darwin to spend time living and learning in each other’s worlds. Rebecca, a student from Haileybury Tianjin, enjoyed her study tour down under so much that she made the courageous move to continue her secondary studies in Australia. Thanks to the shared Haileybury curriculum, making the move was seamless, and Rebecca has quickly become a valued part of the HRS boarding community. Looking back, she says the warm welcome from teachers and students made all the difference — and that basketball is a surefire way to make new friends!
HRS Year 10 student Kong Seng also jumped at the chance to try something new, recently spending six weeks at Haileybury Tianjin. From classroom activities and House competitions to weekend adventures, he was immersed in every aspect of student life.
Kong Seng said, “Going to China for six weeks is something that I will look back on for the rest of my life.”
Whether picking up new Chinese phrases, learning about local festivals, or joining in a game of badminton with new mates, Kong Seng found that the experience was about so much more than just language and culture — it was about connection, growth and a few proud personal milestones along the way.
“My new friends made the trip a better experience because I had people to hang out with. Playing sports with them was the best part because I am used to playing golf and AFL by myself in the backyard at home, and having those people here with me made this experience better,” said Kong Seng.
The exchange experience continues, with graduates from Haileybury Tianjin currently with us in Darwin for a six-week GAP experience, writing their own chapter in the One Haileybury story.
With every exchange, the links between the campuses grow stronger, and the possibilities for new adventures, friendships and learning just keep expanding.
