Marble Hill students say ‘ni hao!’

After spending two weeks in China, a group of eight students from Marble Hill School for International Studies is hosting Chinese students in their homes and school.

“The idea was to bring the world into the classroom,” Principal Kirsten Larson said.

The Marble Hill students sought to be immersed in an entirely new culture, then show eight Chinese counterparts their own lives back home.

“We always learned about China, but we always learned it was a very foreign place. We learned about the Great Wall, but that was only through pictures,” said America Ramirez, 17. “So by actually seeing Chinese culture, not only living like a tourist but actually living in a Chinese home... you see that although we’re really different, we can still come together to have fun.”

The Marble Hill students had to apply a year in advance to take part in the experience.

“There’s a pretty extensive application program that we’re actually starting now for next year,” Ms. Larson said.

The application requires essays, reference letters from teachers and strong academics — as well as the willingness to host a Chinese student. 

“We meet with the parents, we visit the homes, we make sure that everyone understands what the commitment is when they are accepted,” Ms. Larson said.

Chinese students, who preferred to go by their English names, explained they were enjoying their time in the Bronx.

“The new thing for me is living with American students and spending time with their families and maybe eat a lot of new things, like plantains and other things,” Kimmy said.

Ricardo described the difference between school here and school back home.

“They have less students and classes are more active and they have more freedom,” he said.

His American counterpart Christian Escano, 17, said he has had a great time discovering China as well.

“I enjoyed the culture and the traditional food they serve in different cities, like in Shiyan they cook a special type of duck, roasted with very special ingredients,” he said.

Food represented an adventure for many of the Marble Hill students.

Senior Danielle Brown, who is a vegetarian, took it upon herself to try many new meals.

“I ate lotus fruit, scallops… I don’t even know some of the stuff that I ate,” she said.

She was particularly struck by how Chinese people reacted to her skin color.

“Chinese people aren’t really exposed to people of diversity up close so when they saw me they were so fascinated with my hair, my skin,” Danielle said.

She added that the experience will prepare her for the next stage of her education.

“It was just like a nice little bridge to college because I know when I get to college, it’s gonna be a totally new world with people who aren’t exposed to things that I’m exposed to,” the student said.