Encountering the World: French Culture and Arts Study Tour
Marking the 80th anniversary of Heung To Middle School, 25 students from Secondary 3 to Secondary 6, led by four teachers, embarked on an eight-day cultural and arts exchange journey to Paris this summer. Our hope was for this trip to be far more than just sightseeing—it was designed as a profound experience where students could "step out of the classroom," exploring and immersing themselves in aesthetic beauty within the real world.
Pilgrimage and Creation: Immersed in the Aesthetic Soul of the City of Light
"Aesthetic sensitivity is not passively received, but actively perceived and created." The most awe-inspiring aspect of this journey was undoubtedly the direct emotional impact of experiencing authentic masterworks in person. From the classical majesty of the Louvre and the curved lighting of the Musée de l'Orangerie, to the Musée Picasso and Monet's Garden—when the original works of masters like Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Da Vinci were just inches away, the layered brushstrokes and fluid colors became clearly visible. This artistic dialogue surpassed anything textbooks could ever convey.
Even more commendable was how the Visual Arts students embarked on this journey with specific creative missions, turning the entire city of Paris into their canvas. Beneath the tree-shaded lawns of the Jardin du Luxembourg and amidst the gentle breezes of the village where Van Gogh once lived, students picked up their brushes to sketch outdoors, capturing fleeting moments of light and inspiration. They also recorded their unique observations through photography and video shooting tasks. Most inspiring of all was when students courageously brought their own creations to the front of the Louvre for a "flash exhibition," showcasing the confidence and artistic energy of Hong Kong youth to the world—truly learning through practice and bringing theory into reality.
Cross-curriculum Practice: From Grand Events to International Perspectives
The scope of learning extended to the practical application of Tourism and Hospitality. One of the most unforgettable moments was boarding a Seine River cruise to traverse the heart of Paris. Students felt as though they were athletes at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, experiencing firsthand the charm of top-tier mega-event tourism against the backdrop of the riverbanks. They also observed tour guide coordination, hotel management, and transport operations from a professional perspective, putting their knowledge into practice.
At the same time, our footsteps not only wound through historical landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Palace of Versailles, but also led us into the French showroom of the Chinese enterprise BYD, CentraleSupélec (Paris-Saclay University), and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in France. These experiences allowed students to see not only rich historical heritage in France, but also provided a great opportunity for them to explore cultural exchange, technological advancement, and international cooperation—opening up a broader horizon for their future academic and career planning.
Conclusion: Growth and Transformation from Reflections
The eight-day trip concluded safely and smoothly. What moved the leading teachers most were the daily "Group Discussions." Teachers and students gathered at night to sincerely share their impressions and thoughts from the day—some were deeply touched by the artwork, others reflected on cultural differences, and many learned to care for one another within a group.
John Dewey, the educational philosopher defined the educational process itself as a "Continual reorganization, reconstruction and transformation of experience". Through experience, our students explored; through practice, they transformed. This rich exchange tour not only left the precious memories in our mind, but also drew a beautiful and fulfilling conclusion to the 80th anniversary of Heung To Middle School.
