SCIE Art Adventures in NYC – Shenzhen College of International Education

At the beginning the 2024-25 school year, I decided that SCIEs Art Department should have a field trip to New York City. To expose our talented students to one of the worlds premiere center for the arts. Ten months later twelve students, Clara, my colleague from the art department and myself landed in New York City for an amazing week of art and culture.

On the itinerary was 7 museums, 17 attractions, 2 different plays, 4 universities, and lots of delicious food! When we arrived New York City was under a heat dome and the heat made us have to make some minor changes to keep us from being outside too much, but we hit the ground running for the next 8 days.

I could tell you about the visit the iconic Guggenheim, the expansive MET with its Egyptian Temple rebuilt inside, how the students cheered and laughed at The Little Shop of Horrors, how the trip out of the city to the green rolling hills of Storm King to see large scale sculpture and how the Magazzino Art Center was a spectacular surprise, that the Italian meal at Carmines was a delicious treat, second only to the stop at Joe’s Shanghai for some authentic Chinese in the middle of Manhattan, or how the private tour, before the doors opened to the public, at Museum of Modern Art, (MoMA) allowed us to be the only people in the gallery standing before Van Goghs “The Starry Night” and the views across New York from the Summit were breathtaking, and how the Museum of Natural History had so many natural artifacts it seems impossible to see it all, how the subway rides were always an adventure and the streets were always full of sights as the skyscrapers towered over us. I could tell you all that, but I think its best if I let some of the students and parents share their insights and feelings about this trip.

Campus Voices

The journey immerses students in New York’s vibrant scenery, offering art school tours and firsthand encounters with renowned artworks. By experiencing these master pieces following private tour guides in the galleries—rather than through secondary sources—enables students to fully appreciate their beauty while deepening their understanding of artistic context and conceptual intent.

Clara

Co-coordinator, SCIE Art Educator

I mostly enjoyed visiting the Magazzino Italian Art Museum, it’s located in a suburb of New York. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Times Square, it is a very tranquil place. As we had a private tour, I was exposed to some niche Italian contemporary artists, it’s fun to not only looking at artists that possess great reputations, I like the diversity of the trip.

Angelina

A1 Student

The field trip to New York was a visual feast for art lovers and culture vultures alike. Traveling overseas is already a unique experience for most people, let alone the chance to visit museums that usually appear only in textbooks, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. Personally, I feel a special attachment to New York City——partly because of Broadway, and partly because of the historical figure Alexander Hamilton.

Cherise

G2 Student

Even though it was the second time going to New York, I still find this trip interesting and memorable. Especially with the galleries we went to which is really a highlight of the trip. Being able to see some of the most famous paintings in the world in real life is completely different from seeing it online.

Coco

A2 Student

The trip was so meaningful. We went to see lots of museums and artworks, my favorite part was the Met. The museum itself could be a gorgeous architectural artwork as it not only retains the solemnity of a traditional museum but also blends various styles of global cultures. Plus, the Impressionism part was also an impressive place that the feeling of seeing the artwork in person was so stirring than just see it online. Walking through the paintings and recognizing the ones I knew or learning new ones had deepen my interest in Impressionism. Overall it was an amazing experience for me to have deeper connections with art.

Lily

G2 Student

Family Perspectives

I am very happy that the children had a perfect art trip in New York this holiday. Thanks to Tim and Clara for their careful arrangement and care. During the trip, the children developed artistic knowledge, deepened their friendship, and laid the foundation for their future growth. The carefully arranged daily visits, transportation, meals and accommodation fully demonstrated the seriousness, warmth and love of the two teachers, and the timely sharing of videos and photos of the happy moments of the children, which also made the parents feel as if they were personally involved, will become the best memories in the children's hearts.

Cherise’s Dad

During the trip, my child had the opportunity to visit multiple museums, galleries, and artistic neighborhoods, gaining a vivid understanding of various art styles. Through conversations with teachers and classmates, they also learned to express their thoughts and feelings more confidently. After returning home, my child eagerly shared with us what they had seen and felt—describing details of the artworks and reflecting on New York’s street culture and human warmth—which made us both proud and delighted.

Cici’s mom

First of all, thank you very much! You are a very loving, warm, patient and attentive teacher! It was a perfect and unforgettable trip! You made planning especially careful in the up-front, making very well-planned arrangements for transportation, catering, accommodation, visits and experiences. Katty loved this trip and got a lot of harvest!

Katty's mom

A perfect trip! Accommodation, meals, transportation, visits, experiences - everything is carefully planned and Tim goes out of his way to guide students throughout the day. A wealth of photos and videos every day gives parents peace of mind by letting them know where their children are going and what they're doing.

Lily’s mom

This trip was designed to touch hearts and minds, to help students feel closer to their passions and interests. To keep them curious and proactive in their own development and understanding. To understand that art and culture isn’t in a classroom, but a living breathing part of the world, to be better prepared for their studies at SCIE and beyond. I think this was achieved and more.

I want to thank the admin that was crucial to making this trip possible. The parents for their trust and dedication to the growth of their children. To the students who were thoughtful, engaged, and inspired throughout the experience—your curiosity and creativity made the trip truly meaningful.