Board approves CIBA student trip to China; program covers in‑country costs, students to pay flights and visas
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Summary
The East Hartford Board approved a proposed April 2026 cultural exchange to China for CIBA and East Hartford High students; the program sponsor covers lodging, in‑country travel and meals, while students will pay flights, visas, a program fee and insurance.
The East Hartford Board of Education voted Feb. 10 to approve a CIBA/East Hartford High student trip to China during April break 2026.
Angela Chen, CIBA’s Chinese teacher and the trip organizer, told the board the program is sponsored by the Chinese government through a short‑term cultural exchange that partners Chinese universities with U.S. high schools. Chen said, “The program covers all of the cost in China,” and that the students’ out‑of‑pocket expenses will include the flight, the visa, a program enrollment fee (anticipated $300–$500) and insurance.
Chen said the district needs board approval to allow students to begin fundraising activities. Planned fundraisers mentioned included badminton and ping‑pong tournaments and boba tea sales. The district presenter estimated a target total student cost of less than $3,500 but acknowledged uncertainty on future flight prices and said the trip could be canceled if costs become prohibitive.
Board members asked whether Synergy students could participate; Chen said the program can be opened to Synergy students but noted typical enrollment windows make participation more difficult for some Synergy students. The organizer also said last district travel to China occurred in 2018 and that the program would be offered across campuses to broaden participation.
A motion to approve the trip passed by voice vote; the transcript records the outcome as “Ayes have it.”