From June 6 to June 27, Ms. Zhang and Mr. Fitzgerald led a group of seven rising juniors on a transformative service and cultural immersion trip to China. Over the course of three weeks, students traveled to Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing, engaging deeply with the language, traditions, and people of each region.

In Shanghai and Beijing, students visited significant Catholic sites including the burial place of Matteo Ricci, the Jesuit missionary who introduced Christianity to China. They took language and culture classes at the Shanghai International Studies University and were welcomed as the first American visitors at the Zigong Hengchuan Experimental School.

In Chengdu, students participated in environmental service projects, cleaning up local parks and hiking trails. In Beijing, they volunteered with elderly residents and visited Buddhist temples, broadening their understanding of China’s rich spiritual and cultural landscape.

Throughout the trip, students had the opportunity to use their Chinese language skills in real-world settings and to fully immerse themselves in the daily life, cuisine, and customs of the communities they visited. It was a powerful reminder of what it means to be Men for and with Others.

The experience was filled with brotherhood, energy, and reflection. Each student lived out the Ignatian mission and found God in all things. Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Zhang for her tireless work in creating this unforgettable adventure.

Student and Faculty Reflections

Cory Singleton ’26
“During my time in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing, I gained valuable insight into how another country functions. From exploring vibrant city streets to cleaning the environment during hikes, each experience helped shape meaningful habits that will benefit us in the future. These moments deepened my appreciation for other cultures and the value of responsibility.”

Robert O’Connor ’26
“My cultural experience was fantastic. What made this trip so amazing was interacting with the locals, using the little Chinese we knew to communicate creatively. The locals were incredibly patient and welcoming, sometimes even treating us like celebrities. I was touched by their hospitality. Many went out of their way to show us insider spots like hidden restaurants they loved.”

Nolan Johnson ’26
“In three weeks, we explored three unique cities—Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing—each with its own charm and beauty. What impressed me most was how kind the Chinese people were to us. They went out of their way to talk to us, help us, and teach us something new. I’m so glad I chose to be part of this trip and hope to travel back to China in the future.”

Mr. Fitzgerald, Theology Department
“As a chaperone, I may have learned just as much as the students, if not more. It was a profound experience to witness firsthand the culture and traditions that are part of the heritage of many of our students at Prep. One of the greatest blessings of the trip was reconnecting with current students Peter Lin ’26, Charlie Zhang ’27, and Daniel Gao ’28, who took time to share their hospitality and proudly show us their home country. This journey was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I feel deeply grateful to have shared it with such an engaged and thoughtful group of students.”