Author: Kash Brown
It’s Official—We’re headed to China!
After months of anticipation and prep, we’ve finally kicked off our Eastside China Immersion Program with a long flight from SFO to Beijing! Since getting selected in March, the excitement’s been real—and now that we’ve landed, it’s all starting to sink in.
This program, hosted by Hebei University of Technology, gives students, alumni, and college students from Eastside College Prep a chance to experience China firsthand. It’s about more than just travel—it’s about breaking down stereotypes, learning through connection, and building bridges through food, language, art, music, and shared culture.
Our trip wouldn’t be possible without Bill Kwong, our group leader and the heart of this experience. He’s been with us every step of the way—from organizing info sessions and handling logistics to dropping gems about Chinese culture, helping us get our visas, and guiding us throughout the trip.
Departure Day: SFO International Airport
We started the journey early in the morning with 23 of us—students, alums, and chaperones—meeting at SFO. It was raining (classic Bay Area weather), but everyone showed up on time, excited and ready. The check-in process was smooth, and once we got to the gate, Bill gave us a warm welcome and led an icebreaker game so we could get more familiar with one another.
Right before boarding, United Airlines offered $2,500, hotel, food vouchers, and miles to anyone willing to give up their seat. Tempting, but with our whole crew flying together, we had to pass on that one.
Flight to Beijing – 13 Hours in the Air
Once we boarded, we had a bit of a delay—about an hour—because they needed to rearrange the luggage to balance the plane’s weight. Then it was wheels up to Beijing!
The flight was about 13 hours long, and United kept us well-fed (though the meal names didn’t match the timing). Our first “breakfast” was actually dinner: chicken or beef stir-fry, a side salad, roll, cheesecake brownie, and a drink. A few hours later we had a lighter meal—balsamic chicken with arugula and mozzarella—and before landing we got our “dinner” (which was actually breakfast): scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, fruit, croissant, and juice. Confusing, but solid.
Between naps, chatting, and filling out our customs forms, the flight went by smoother than expected.
Arrival in Beijing – Humidity & Hospitality
The second we stepped off the plane, the humidity hit us hard—a big shift from the Bay! We navigated the airport, took a quick shuttle to customs, and got through pretty quickly. After scanning our carry-ons and picking up our checked bags, we noticed one student’s bag didn’t make it. Luckily, Bill was on it and made sure it’ll arrive tomorrow.
We were welcomed at the airport by our local hosts and boarded our private charter bus to dinner.
First Meal in China – A Warm Welcome
Our first dinner in China was the perfect start to this trip. The food was amazing, the setting was beautiful, and the hospitality was unmatched. We tried a wide range of dishes, shared laughs, and really started to feel the cultural exchange come to life.
After dinner, we headed to our hotel. Bill had let us know that the hotel plans changed the day before, which ended up being a win—the Holiday Inn we checked into was modern, clean, and comfortable. A great spot to get some rest after a long day.
Day 1 – In the Books
From the rainy streets of East Palo Alto to the chill vibes of Tianjin, Day 1 was packed with firsts, bonding, and a lot of anticipation for what’s next. We’re excited to explore, connect, and share our experiences along the way.
Stay tuned—this journey’s just getting started.
Check out more photos here.
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