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SWC Students Take Part in Inaugural Study China Cultural Programme

23 Jun 2026

Eight students from South West College (SWC) travelled to China to take part in Study China 2026, a first-of-its-kind cultural exchange programme hosted through the College’s valued international partnerships with the Chinese Consulate office of Consul General Li Nan.

The international initiative brought together Level 3 Health, Life and Personal Science students from Omagh, Enniskillen and Dungannon for a week-long programme across Beijing and Xi’an, combining school exchanges, historical study and hands-on cultural experiences designed to broaden global awareness, cultural understanding and international perspectives.

In Beijing, students explored some of China’s most iconic landmarks, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Olympic sites such as the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. The programme also included a visit to the world’s first embodied intelligent robotics 4S store, alongside opportunities to experience traditional city life along Qianmen Street.

School exchange visits at Beijing Guangqumen High School and Beijing National Day School provided valuable insight into Chinese education, while enabling students to engage directly with their international peers and share learning experiences.

The group then travelled via bullet train over 1000km to Xi’an, where they visited major cultural and historical sites including the Xi’an Museum, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an City Wall, Daming Palace National Heritage Park, and the Terracotta Warriors (UNESCO World Heritage) Site. Students also took part in a hands-on workshop at the Terracotta Warriors site.

Cultural immersion continued through Tang Dynasty-themed activities, including traditional costume experiences, performances, evening cultural shows at Datang Everbright City, and an introduction to Qin Opera and other traditional arts. The programme also featured opportunities to sample regional cuisine and explore local intangible cultural heritage, before returning from Beijing to Dublin.

Fey Cole, Curriculum Manager Health Life and Personal Sciences, said:

“We are extremely proud of Maria, Aimee, Niamh, Holly, Rachel, Caitlin, Chloe and Aoife for representing South West College on an international stage during this unique cultural exchange in China. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and professionalism were evident throughout as they engaged with school partners, explored historic and modern landmarks, and immersed themselves in Chinese culture.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Consul General Li Nan, World Affairs Press and the wider team for creating such an engaging and memorable itinerary for staff and students. The warm welcome and hospitality shown throughout the visit gave our students and staff a genuine insight into life in China and created friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.

“Experiences such as this are invaluable in broadening perspectives, strengthening global awareness and helping to prepare our students for future careers in an increasingly interconnected world. The opportunity to learn from different cultures, share experiences and build international relationships is one that will stay with our students long after the trip has ended.”

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