Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School
Switzerland and Germany Study Tour (2024)
Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School had the privilege of organising a study tour to Switzerland and Germany from 29 January to 7 February 2024. The 10-day educational tour aimed at promoting the students’ awareness and exploration of languages, classical and modern arts, society and cultures of Switzerland and Germany. It extensively raised the students’ educational values and exposure of European cultural appreciation, as well as enhanced their knowledge, self-management skills, discipline, and independence.
From Hong Kong to Europe, a tiresome but thrilling flight journey opened its doors to new and exciting perspectives of undiscovered land for students in an unexplored treasured continent they have never travelled to. Europe, a beautiful historical continent has been identified as having one of the highest costs and living standards in the world. Germany and Switzerland, especially, have been the homes of numerous influential philosophers, famous scientists, and are known for its high level of innovative technology, rich cultural history and renowned schools. One such educational institute which the students had the fulfilling chance to visit is the world’s prestigious Swiss private boarding school, Le Rosey (founded in 1880), where many princes and princesses of royalty once graduated.
The students had the opportunity to visit reputable organisations in Europe, such as the German high-tech Patterer Manufacturing and Precision Engineering company in Bavaria, the notable Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, the wondrous FIFA Museum in Zurich, and the inspiring Olympic Museum in Lausanne. An impressive aviation visit to Zurich Airport immersed students in the mechanics by SWISS as they witnessed the extraordinary processes of aircraft maintenance at the hangars. Finally, a visit to the United Nations in Geneva inspired students to understand how the organisation functions in maintaining international peace as well as ensuring a better future for the world.
Additionally, the students had an unforgettable ride onboard the Eiger Express cable car and Jungfraubahn train, which journeyed them from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres above sea level. The route took them through untouched mountain landscapes, deep gorges, stunning valleys, and tunnels.
European cuisine was one of the distinct highlights of the tour. Located in the heartland of Switzerland, Cailler, one of the oldest Swiss chocolate brands (1819), displays the traditional method of making chocolate. The chocolate factory showcases the production of chocolate making, going from the stages of using the best cocoa beans to the polished finished chocolate creation products. Students were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to create their own chocolate works of art, supervised by professional Swiss chocolatiers.
Along the way, the students also visited the ‘Hofbräuhaus’ in Munich, Germany, Bavaria’s oldest breweries (1598) where the yearly famous Oktoberfest is celebrated in memory of King Ludwig’s wedding. In the southwest of Bavaria lies King Ludwig’s magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle (1884) where the students visited and learned about its historical structure and architectural beauties. A look at the grand dining hall and glittering kitchen showed how the king’s food was prepared and served.
Since German is the main language of identity in these countries, students were given the opportunity to learn it with a native German teacher at a reputable university in Stuttgart as it equips them to converse with the everyday locals. To emphasize, education in Europe is a significant systematic approach to society as it defines its highly skilled labour force and professions in all walks of life.
The study tour promoted the students’ international field knowledge to an innovative and higher level that gives education a sense of identity and awareness that learning is a continuous process. Truly, the tour emphasized a unique exposure for all students and teachers in sharing their experiences together in Europe, and making a phenomenal difference for all of them.
The students would like to acknowledge their gratitude to Dr. Principal Cheung for approving this meaningful study tour. The school hopes that more students will have the opportunity to go to Europe. A proposed study tour to France, Switzerland and Italy is in the works for 2025. This tour will follow the timeless railway voyage route of the Orient Express from Paris to Venice.
Kelvin Devis Luethi
