Group of students from WUXI visit Bocholt

Bocholt hosted a group of students from the Chinese city of Wuxi for a week. As part of an exchange programme with St. Georg High School, the young people got to know the city, the region and the people - and made many new friends.

From 30 September to 5 October 2025, a group from Wuxi High School No. 1 visited St.-Georg-Gymnasium in Bocholt. The young guests spent a varied week with host families and experienced a programme that combined culture, history and encounters. After arriving at Düsseldorf airport, the first thing on the agenda was to relax before the week began with an official reception.

On Wednesday, headmistress Hilke Smidt warmly welcomed the guests. Deputy Mayor Elisabeth Kroesen and the Chairman of the German-Chinese Society Bocholt e.V., Stefan Schlier, also emphasised the importance of exchange and international friendship. A subsequent visit to the Flender company provided insights into the local economy, before an intercultural workshop offered space for encounters and discussions between German and Chinese young people.

In the afternoon, an excursion to Dinxperlo in the Netherlands literally crossed borders. At the joint barbecue evening, organised by parents and teachers, the guests learned what a private party means in Germany - an experience that is hardly possible in China.

Cross-border impressions were also on the programme on Thursday: After a morning in class, the group visited the Dutch Underground Museum in Aalten, which provides information about the resistance movement during the Second World War. A trip to the book town of Bredevoort rounded off the day.

The holiday on Friday belonged to the host families. Many went on excursions or spent the day at home in a relaxed atmosphere. Saturday saw a trip to Cologne - with a guided tour of the city, a visit to a brewery and a climb up the cathedral. In the evening, the successful exchange was celebrated in Bocholt with a joint farewell evening.

A farewell with the prospect of seeing each other again

On Sunday morning, it was finally time to say goodbye. Early in the morning, the young people boarded their return flight to China. Thanks went to all those involved who had made the exchange possible. "This week has shown how enriching international encounters can be for young people", summarised Headmistress Hilke Smidt. "We are already looking forward to the return visit - and to many more shared experiences."