Two students from St Albans have been exploring Shanghai to learn more about teaching and early childhood education as part of the University of Hertfordshire’s staff and student exchange with Shanghai Normal University.

Zoe Westgarth and Rahena Miah, who are studying education studies, were travelling with ten others, including students, postgraduates and senior teaching staff.

The group attended lectures and seminars, visited local schools and travelled around the wider area.

Zoe said: "It was a truly amazing trip and one we will never ever forget, I feel really privileged to have gained a unique insight into Chinese culture and their education system.

"As a parent governor at Cunningham Hill Junior School, I was fortunate enough to be able to set up links with a primary school in Shanghai and I am looking forward to establishing a good partnership with them."

Rahena added: "It was really interesting to experience similarities within both Shanghai international schools and schools from England.

"The space and the resources that they have at state schools in Shanghai was unbelievable.

"It was absolutely amazing to see Chinese culture and traditions while in Shanghai which I would definitely implement in career as a primary school teacher such as emphasis on music, whole school singing in morning and children using skills to work out problems.

"My most exciting experience was the last trip to Zhujiajiao where Chinese culture and tradition was most evident."

Zoe and Rahena returned home on Monday, April 20, after nearly a fortnight in Shanghai.