George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Since 2008, students in George Brown Polytechnic's Early Childhood Education program have had the unique opportunity to complete a one-month study abroad internship at our affiliate lab school, the Regent International Preschool in Suzhou, China.
This immersive cultural experience provides students with a valuable learning opportunity, allowing them to collaborate with and learn from other experts in early childhood education and family support while preparing for a global career.
While the primary focus of the trip is on developing professional ECE competencies, the affiliate lab school also organizes several cultural and sightseeing activities designed to enrich students’ experiences.
This year’s China Affiliate Lab School program is scheduled for May-June 2026. Stay tuned for reflections from participants on this incredible opportunity.
Read the students China 2024 testimonials!
China 2026 Letters
Tenagne Tannis & Renee Atkinson, May 2026
Visiting Suzhou was the perfect way to conclude our two years in the C100 Early Childhood Education program at George Brown Polytechnic. Through the George Brown China Study Abroad Program, we were given the opportunity to travel across the world, experience early childhood education in a completely different cultural setting and apply everything we’ve learned in real classrooms and communities.
Never in our wildest dreams would we have imagined travelling to China, fully immersed in a completely different culture and surrounded by kindness. Suzhou’s unique charm, rich history, peaceful gardens, beautiful architecture and deep cultural history made every moment feel meaningful and unforgettable.
This experience helped us grow both personally and professionally. We learned so much from the educators we met, connected with students in such genuine ways, and gained a completely new perspective on ECE. We are departing from Suzhou with so much gratitude, unforgettable memories, and lessons that we’ll carry with us throughout our careers.
We are sincerely thankful to George Brown Polytechnic for providing opportunities like this. Experiences such as these extend far beyond academics; they challenge us, broaden our perspectives, and grow professionally. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Regent Park International Preschool for their warm welcome and support throughout our stay. Special thanks to Principal Kelly, as well as Beth and Raziell, for their guidance, kindness, and encouragement during this unforgettable experience.
Tenagne Tannis & Renee Atkinson
Mikaella Regis, May 2026
My visit to Suzhou Regent International Preschool provided me with insight into how philosophies within early learning are universal yet still reflect significant cultural influences. My first day of this international experience with the centre’s oldest age group revealed to me some similarities and differences between Canadian and Chinese ECE practices. There were parallels in how exploration and learning is facilitated through play-based experiences, how children are viewed as competent and capable, and the use of developmental skills in programming. Yet there are differences shown through incorporating structured formal learning experiences, such as work sheets, and themed curriculum. These differences highlighted the intentional care that the centre provides for the children that reflects their cultural expectations.
Overall, the experience has provided a new perspective on different ways of promoting children’s learning through a meaningful curriculum.
Mikaella Regis
May 2026
Asia Mohammed & Fadak, May 2026
These past two weeks in Suzhou, China have been such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. Working at the Regent International Preschool with the children has brought us so much joy and has taught us the importance of patience, kindness, and connection beyond language and culture.
One of our most special moments of this trip was experiencing Eid away from our families for the first time. We were unsure of how it would feel being so far from home, but it turned into one of the most beautiful Eid’s experiences and we will remember it for a long time. We researched and found a mosque near us in Suzhou and thankfully found the only mosque in the whole city called “Suzhou Islam Association.” We went to the Mosque early in the morning for Eid prayer and were pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful community where we met many amazing Muslim girls from different backgrounds including Chinese, Moroccan, French, Indonesian and many more. During this experience, we were reminded of the beauty of community and how faith brings people together and connects us no matter where we are in the world.
Exploring the city, finding Halal restaurants, and experiencing the natural beauty and peacefulness that characterizes Suzhou made this trip incredibly special. We feel incredibly grateful and thankful to have had the opportunity to experience so much growth, connection, and joy in such a short amount of time.
We will always remember Suzhou fondly and very grateful to have had this experience :)
Asia Mohammed & Fadak