Global Learning in Action: A Moravian Student’s Journey of Curiosity and Connection

This summer, Noah Farr participated in a two-week cultural exchange program in China. During these 14 days, he visited three cities—Jiaxing, Shanghai, and Beijing—where he explored iconic landmarks such as Wuzhen (China’s Venice), the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Great Wall. He traveled by high-speed train and had the unique opportunity to immerse himself in local life: visiting schools, a rural village, and a pharmaceutical company; learning to make “burnished foil paintings,” a form of intangible cultural heritage; spending a day with a Chinese host family; and even treasure-hunting in shopping malls for Chinese Pokémon cards.

Through these experiences, Noah not only deepened his understanding of Chinese culture but also integrated into local life through his kindness, strong communication skills, and open-mindedness—earning the respect and affection of everyone he met, including teachers and peers.

Of course, international exchange is filled with both surprises and challenges. Noah overcame more than 20 hours of long-haul flights alone, layovers, jet lag, changes in climate and cuisine, intense summer heat, and the hurdles of a new language and culture. As he reflected, “At first, I felt lost in this unfamiliar world. Everyone kept asking me, ‘Why did you come here?’” But soon, he adjusted, approached everything with composure, embraced an open attitude toward learning, and made genuine connections with people from different walks of life.

As an 8th-grade graduate from HDC this year, Noah’s journey to China was a powerful, real-life practice of the skills and attitudes he has absorbed during his time at Moravian—demonstrating, in action, all the qualities of a true Moravian global citizen.