In order to provide students the opportunities to explore a different country with its unique people and culture and to enhance their ability to communicate in English, our school organized a summer study tour to Toronto, Canada in summer.
Sharing from 4D Cheng Kwan Sum Agnes:
What an unforgettable summer! I leapt out of my comfort zone, saying bye to my parents and taking a 16-hour flight to Toronto, which left me with the happiest times of my life that will illuminate my heart forever.
The moment stepping onto the campus of MWS camp still lingers on. Listening to the self introduction of counsellors and foreign campers, I was thinking, ‘How could I recognise and befriend them? They look literally the same.’ Shyness was clearly shown on my face. My darting eyes were trying to hide my hesitation to take the initiative to chat with other foreign campers. Fortunately, everyone welcomed me with open arms and my nervousness soon faded.
In the next few days, I gradually adapted to the camp life and got to know many new companions from Brazil, Ukraine, and Mexico. What truly impressed me was the first counsellor-led activity, in which we visited the lovely Toronto Music Garden. Once we arrived at the park, we winded down on the grass and enjoyed the interesting ice-breaking games. Strolling along the harbour with Brazilian friends, we shared bits and pieces of our daily lives. Despite different cultural backgrounds, the sharing of our interests and hobbies became our common language. Discussing our passions for football, K-pop and anime, we became closer and a connection was established. We even played football and volleyball together. I love the sporty vibe among the Brazilian students. Bathed in the warm glow of the sunset, admiring the shimmering light reflected on the sea, we expressed our thoughts and worries without fear of judgement. We opened up about our feelings, life stories, dreams and aspirations for the future. To be frank, I was quite surprised that I shared so many things in English smoothly!
Time flies swiftly in the blink of an eye, every day in the camp was just like unwrapping a surprising gift. We explored the city, leaving our footprints on prestigious museums, streets, the CN Tower, Niagara Falls and St Lawrence Market… Apart from these iconic landmarks, I ventured into the unknown, embracing a lot of ‘my first time’ such as bowling, watching baseball games, riding bikes, and going on a dating game. Believe it or not, being a timid girl, I plucked up the courage and climbed to the top of the tall climbing jungle gym in the park with the encouragement from my Brazilian friends Joao and Victoria!
Flipping through my photo album now, I still can’t believe I have enjoyed such an amazing summer. It was just like a dream which I had had for many times finally came true. When I hugged my new friends before departing to the airport, our tears reminded us of what a wonderful three-week trip I had. Although I have only known each other for just 3 weeks, we are like long-lost friends with similar personalities and thoughts. I wish I could travel back to the moment I arrived at the camp! I will miss all the counsellors, my friends, the streets… basically everything in Toronto!
Sharing from 4D Kwok Pui Ying:
Scrolling through the pictures I took in Canada,memories flood back.This year’s exchange tour was an unforgettable experience that opened my eyes to new cultures and perspectives.
The most memorable excursion was definitely watching the Blue Jays game. It was a custom to have our face painted or to wear the team’s jersey to show support for the team. Before we set off, my friends and I helped with the making of cheering boards (which were very nicely made!) I also help with the face painting for my friends! When the game began, every pitch was just electric. The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd when a player hit a home run was pure magic. Immersing myself in the energetic vibe, I soon found myself cheering, high-fiving, and joining in chants that echoed through the stadium.
Our trip was highly enjoyable as it was well scheduled with excursions, lessons and various team building activities led by our counsellors. During our visit to Toronto Islands, we were put in groups and asked to come up with an outdoor game on the site with only 4 props, which was obviously challenging. However, by putting our heads together, we designed a competition and had great fun with all our teammates. Our team even got the first runner up in the competition! After lunch, we rode bikes together to explore the island. Pedalling along the waterfront, I caught glimpses of the sparkling lake and even spotted a few beautiful and elegant swans on the river. And I still remember the excitement of seeing squirrels climbing down from the trees! Such scenery and tranquillity were truly therapeutic as it helped me take my mind off my worries and connect with nature instead of being glued to my phone 24/7 like I used to in Hong Kong.
THe MWS camp introduced me to a whole new group of people outside of my everyday life. Teenagers from Brazil, Ukraine, Mexico are the friends I made there. Although we have only known each other for 3 weeks, the shared experience and exchange of thoughts have fostered our bonding and understanding of each other’s culture, constraints and aspirations. We learnt together, had fun together and created memories that will last a lifetime.
In 2024, I challenged myself to embark on a journey to Canada, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.This is absolutely the most meaningful summer of my life!
