Four Forest Bilingual International School welcomed visiting educators this week for a Yew Chung International School visit to Four Forest Zug, as part of YCIS Hong Kong and Shanghai’s week-long learning journey across Switzerland. The visiting leaders included Julia Kortt, Western Primary Principal at Yew Chung International School (Hong Kong), alongside Sissy Shen, Chinese Primary Principal, and Cathy Yang, Chinese Vice Principal at Yew Chung International School (Shanghai).

Their goal was to explore different bilingual school models, exchange practical ideas, and deepen shared thinking around how schools can best support students learning through two languages.

Launching Young Interpreters at Four Forest Zug

The YCIS team spent a full day at Four Forest Zug and began the visit by joining our morning assembly, where students from the Four Forest Luzern campus introduced our Young Interpreters initiative. The programme is designed to strengthen belonging through student leadership by pairing new students with trained peer supporters who help them settle in, find their way, and feel confident from the start. It also gives long-standing students a meaningful opportunity to step into responsibility and make a positive difference for others.

A highlight of the assembly was hearing directly from these Young Interpreters from Four Forest Luzern, who shared how the programme is already working in practice. They spoke about the difference peer support can make for students joining mid-year, and about the skills and confidence students gain when they take on the role of helping others feel at home.

Learning exchange in action: classroom practice and innovation

Throughout the day, the visiting educators spent time across learning spaces, speaking with staff and observing how bilingual learning is woven into daily routines, classroom culture, and student support. Conversations focused on what works in real practice, including how children build confidence in both languages, and how schools can keep learning experiences accessible, motivating, and appropriately challenging.

A dedicated discussion with Amelia Morris, Tech Lead, explored effective online learning resources for primary-age students, alongside broader reflections on technology-enabled learning.

Community moments that reflect school life

Alongside professional exchange, the visit included the everyday moments that often say the most about a school. One highlight was sampling a tea that a group of students had created outdoors on the playground, a simple example of the creativity and care students bring into the life of the campus.

Reflections from YCIS Hong Kong and Shanghai

In an email following the visit, the YCIS leaders thanked the Four Forest team for the welcome and the open sharing of practice. They described Four Forest as having a “wonderful community atmosphere of genuine care and warmth,” and noted that “the staff are welcoming, and the students are very impressive.”

They also offered to continue the exchange and reciprocate in the future, whether through an opportunity to visit YCIS in Hong Kong or Shanghai, or through ongoing professional conversations.

Four Forest Zug is proud to be part of a global community of bilingual educators who learn with one another. Visits like this strengthen practice, deepen perspective, and support what matters most, helping students thrive in a bilingual learning environment.