Tanya, Year 11, Gubei Campus

Growing up, I had to say goodbye to peers who left my school to move to other countries. For a young Year 6, it was tough to have friends leave, but then I learnt that I would have to leave my friends behind to go study in another school – in a whole other country – and that was even scarier!

However, I soon learnt that joining YCIS did not simply mean adjusting to life in a new international school. It meant being accepted into a community, finding friends with similar backgrounds and interests, learning from new friends and faculty about the multitude of countries they come from, and embedding myself into a unique, new culture. New students, like I once was, can be overwhelmed by the warm welcome they receive at YCIS, and I can tell you firsthand that they are grateful for being invited into the school.

I’m from Singapore, which may be the most diverse country I’ve ever lived in, but Shanghai continues to be the most intriguing city I have ever lived in, and I have come to call it my home. Our school itself is a myriad of differences: the many countries we come from, year levels, house groups, even favourite subjects, but this diversity is what unites us as a school community. Just before my first day at YCIS, I asked my parents why they chose the school for my sister and me. They said it was because YCIS has many programmes and events which are very inclusive of all who wish to participate, and the school stands out because of the many opportunities available to us.

If you want a school that will accept your differences as a strength, help you learn the Chinese language and culture, and immerse you in a tidal wave of knowledge, experiences and memories that you will remember for years to come, then YCIS is the school for you!