At 9:30am, the campus was exceptionally clear and bright after the typhoon. Sunshine filtered through the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. On such a refreshing autumn morning—September 25th—Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE) welcomed a group of guests from the Southern Hemisphere: a visiting delegation consisting of 21 students from Australia’s Toorak College, accompanied by three faculty members. Toorak College fosters strong international connections, and this provided its students with an enriching opportunity to engage globally and share in cultural and educational exchange.
A Warm Gathering After the Typhoon
At the admissions office reception, educators from both schools engaged in a warm conversation. Teachers from Toorak College exchanged greetings with SCIE Principal Mr. Neil Mobsby and presented each other with symbolic gifts. At that moment, educators from different cultural backgrounds connected through a mutual commitment to student growth.
Afterward, the delegation made their way to the theatre where they watched SCIE’s promotional video and took group photos with Principal Neil Mobsby, PastoralAssistant Principal Boris Denisov, and student representatives. The beaming smiles captured by the camera marked the perfect start to the campus exploration tour that followed.
Campus Stroll: A Glimpse into Student Life, from Classrooms to Sports Fields
Guided by student volunteers Amanda, Yvonne, and Dorothy, the visiting group split into three teams for an immersive tour of SCIE’s campus atmosphere. From impromptu performances in the music room and brief rehearsals in the drama classroom, to the tranquil book-filled library, the well-equipped science labs, and the energetic student gym — each space vividly illustrated the daily life of SCIE students.
The most lively and cheerful moment of the tour took place in the indoor sports hall. When the Toorak students saw a physical education class in session, their eyes lit up with excitement. With the enthusiastic approval of the PE teachers, an impromptu friendly match began between the two schools. A balloon ball arched through the air, accompanied by laughter and cheers. No words were needed—running, jumping, and high-fives became the perfect language of youth. In just twenty minutes, the sports hall turned into a place where friendships grew quickly.
Economics Game: Envisioning the Future Through Discus
With their interest still buzzing, the students moved to Classroom B326 for a specially designed economics session, carefully planned by teachers Roche Meggersee and Angelien Meggersee. Through a resource simulation game, they experienced firsthand the tension between short-term gains and long-term sustainable development.
Initially, as SCIE and Toorak College students were randomly mixed into teams, a sense of unfamiliarity lingered in the air. But once they settled into their small groups, conversation started to flow naturally. Soon, they were actively engaged in discussing game roles and analyzing strategies together.
For the sake of their team’s “economic fate,” members had to communicate, negotiate, and persuade. Opinions blended through the clash of ideas: “I think we should invest in sustainable resources,” countered by “No, we might face a crisis next round and need to reserve capital.”Fingers pointed at charts, eyes met with focus—they were in it together, taking shared responsibility for every decision and collaborating seamlessly.
The relaxed atmosphere spilled over into breaks between game rounds, where students naturally fell into conversations about everyday life—from academic interests to pop culture—with laughter frequently filling the air.
As the activity designers noted, the game was meant to “connect real-world coastal challenges with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, guiding students to reflect on the responsible use of resources.” By working in mixed teams, the students from both schools not only deepened their understanding of economic principles through gameplay and collaboration but also planted the seeds of a shared sense of responsibility toward global issues.
A Noontime Farewell: The New Beginning of a Friendship
The noon sun was bright and warm, bringing this fulfilling autumn gathering to a perfect close. Before their departure, Principal Neil Mobsby presented each teacher and student from Toorak College with a special SCIE house cap—a thoughtful keepsake filled with sincerity.
The campus lay clear and serene after the typhoon, much like the impression this exchange left in everyone’s heart—fresh, warm, and profound. As the bus set off slowly under the midday sun, a new friendship had already set sail. Crossing oceans and seasons, it stands as a beautiful testimony to the power of education: learning from one another through open exchange, and growing together through the meeting of young hearts and minds.
Here are some reflections from Toorak College students on the visit:
I just wanted to thank you all for hosting us. We found it really interesting to see a school in a city and how tall all your buildings are. We all had a really good time.
We had a really great time today. We got to explore the campus here in Shenzhen and it’s been amazing. The activities were super fun and I know all the girls had an incredible time.
My favorite part of the trip was making friends with the students at SCIE.
- Article / Erika
