Bowen expressed enthusiasm for the future of cultural exchange: "As we get to know one another and appreciate each other's cultures, we then learn to see similarities and build bridges of understanding."

Priya Amin, another teacher with the delegation, shared her observations on education in China. "My previous impression was that at Chinese schools, students don't have a lot of opportunities to be creative. But I can see teachers here working really hard in the schools we visited to make sure that students have an opportunity to express themselves and their creative thoughts."

"When our students engage in traditional arts and crafts alongside their Chinese counterparts, whether it's paper cutting or playing traditional instruments, it brings them together," she said.

Looking ahead, Amin expressed optimism: "Our students have already made so many connections during this trip to China. We will think about how we can continue to foster those connections and further build relationships and friendships."