Building Global Connections: FPD’s Director of International Programs Visits China
FPD’s International Program Director, Melissa Brown, recently returned from an inspiring visit to China, where she connected with current families, visited local schools, and explored new opportunities to strengthen FPD’s global community.
FPD partners with CASA Studies (Creative Alternatives for Studies Abroad) to recruit international students. This trip was organized by CASA Studies and included events in seven cities throughout China, from Beijing to Shanghai.
“While walking along the Great Wall of China, I couldn’t help but reflect on where the Lord has me right now,” Brown Said. “One year ago, I was happy teaching fifth-grade Social Studies and had no idea that I would be spending time on the other side of the world this fall! Visiting China has been an amazing experience, and I am so thankful to learn about the culture of many of our international students first-hand!”
During her time abroad, she was welcomed with warm hospitality from several current FPD parents.
“When you teach domestic students, you'll see students' parents quite often,” Brown said. “Working with international students is different because it's very unusual to have the opportunity to interact with their parents in person. I was able to visit with parents of five of our international students who traveled to meet our group in cities near their homes. Spending time with parents of our current international students was such a sweet surprise during my trip to China!”
FPD families in China arranged Cantonese morning teas, evening river cruises, sightseeing walks to beautiful parks situated among high rises, and visits to local markets. Many of our families traveled several hours to cities where CASA events were planned, meeting parents of potential students and sharing their FPD experiences with them.
Encounters like these serve as a reminder of how meaningful and lasting the relationships between FPD and its international families truly are.
The visit to China included time in Taiyuan, a city in China’s Shanxi Province that holds special significance as the “China home” of the Edgren family, founders of CASA Studies. This portion of the trip included visits to local schools and educational programs to see a close-up look at some of the diverse and innovative approaches to learning.
One memorable stop was at Taiyuan Wenli Experimental School, an elementary and middle school known for its creative “club” program that allows students to explore interests ranging from robotics and math to martial arts, parkour, and calligraphy. Seeing firsthand how the school encourages students to discover their unique talents was both inspiring and affirming of FPD’s own mission to nurture well-rounded learners.
There were also opportunities for cultural exchange, including visits to historical sites such as Pingyao, one of China’s four remaining ancient walled cities, and participation in local dining experiences highlighting Shanxi’s famous handmade noodles. Each interaction reflected the warmth, pride, and openness of the Chinese people and deepened the sense of connection between FPD and its international partners.
"FPD deeply values its relationships with international students and their families, who are drawn to the excellence of a first-class college preparatory education and warmly embraced by the hospitality of our school and community. Visits like this strengthen those partnerships and reaffirm FPD’s commitment to supporting international families with care, connection, and an exceptional educational experience.
“I love our school. It’s such a privilege to share FPD with those who are interested in US Education,” Brown said. “I met some incredible students while in China and am excited to see who the Lord brings to the Viking Family!”
