2017 Joska, Kenya
The first Chinese & Kenyan student cultural exchange
Meet LEAF CE
On a tree there are many leaves. A leaf in and of itself is not sustainable, instead they have an intertwined relationship to support and enrich the entire plant. At LEAF Cultural Exchange we design unique extracurricular educational experiences and travel for students to enrich the learning they are engaged in throughout the year.
LEAF is not only a metaphor for our place in the educational sector, but it also serves as a signpost for our core values. At LEAF Cultural Exchange we want to encourage:
Life-long learning for students
Empathy and understanding for others
Authentic engagement and interactions
Fun as students explore
LEAF CE is a registered cultural exchange company headquartered in Suzhou, China with partners across the globe. Its leadership is comprised of both American and Chinese educational experts who have extensive classroom and summer camp experience.
LEAF was established in 2020. The LEAF team has experience with designing and leading trips and events throughout China, Kenya, South Africa, Nepal, and the USA.
Leadership Team
With more than 40 years of combined international and education experience, our team is committed to promoting holistic growth and development for students.
Staff
The LEAF CE camp and project team is made up of professional and experienced educators and teachers who are passionate about impacting students impacting the world.
Ocean Wang (CHN)
Sandrine Hu (CHN)
Portia Pelton (USA)
Ivy Zhang (CHN)
Sophia Sun (CHN)
2008 Suzhou, China
The first annual English Scholars Camp for migrant children
In 2008 Nathan moved to Suzhou, China at the invitation of a local business to help develop their corporate social responsibility project. Along with his work in the community, he also joined the team at a foreign language school in the city.
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Fast forward to 2013 when Nathan and Fang found themselves co-leading a newly-founded international middle school department. As they started their now decade long partnership they established early on the importance of holistic education through encouraging students to get involved with communities locally and abroad. This led to countless charity activities, events, and trips for students to be engaged with.
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Due to the sudden and unpredictable onset of the pandemic in 2020, Nathan and Fang found themselves needing to cancel all the planned charity and community events for the students. Despite the set-back, it gave them time and space to dream about growing and expanding opportunities for students beyond their own school. Consequently, LEAF Cultural Exchange was established.