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SHP Students Explore China during a 10-Day Cultural Journey
Over the Easter Break, a group from Seton Hall Preparatory School embarked on a memorable 10-day educational and cultural adventure through China. The delegation included 14 students, three parents, as well as three faculty and staff members – Mr. Michael Hegedus, Mrs. Lucy Lee, and Mr. Mark Vitale ‘10. Their journey took them across six cities: Beijing, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Dengfeng, Xi’an, and Shanghai. Students experienced every mode of transportation, from airplane to bus to boat, as well as China’s super-fast high-speed trains.
The trip, SHP’s third official visit to China, follows other successful programs in 2017 and 2019. It offered participants a deep dive into the country’s history, culture, and modern advancements. Supported in part by the YES (Youth Exchange and Study) grant—an initiative launched by the Chinese government in 2023 to promote post-pandemic international exchange—the program included iconic experiences like climbing the Great Wall, touring the Shaolin Temple, and viewing the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. In Shanghai, the group also was able to visit the beautiful St. Ignatius Cathedral, whose congregation dates to 1851, just five years prior to the founding of Seton Hall University and Seton Hall Preparatory School.
Another highlight of the journey was a cultural exchange with students from Zhengzhou No. 11 High School. Over two days, students were able to interact with host siblings, experience life in a Chinese home, and take part in several engaging activities at the school, from tea tasting to calligraphy. SHP senior Seth Burrowes ’25 delivered a presentation on the Prep’s STEM program, sharing his personal projects and sparking interest among Chinese peers.
The group also had the chance to reconnect with SHP alumni and their families currently living in China, adding a warm and personal dimension to the trip. The group met with recent graduates Rohan Desai ’24 and Yulin “Kyrie” Xiong ’20, both of whom are living and studying in Shanghai. The group also spent time with Prep moms Ms. Yanling Liu (mother of Yifan Zhang ’16) and Mrs. Alice Yao, mother of current sophomore Muzhe “Daniel” Zhao ’27.
From ancient history to modern innovation, the trip left a lasting impression on all involved and strengthened Seton Hall Prep’s commitment to global education and cross-cultural engagement.
FOR ALL PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP SEE THIS SLIDESHOW.
FOR ALL PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP SEE THIS SLIDESHOW.
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