Croydon was chosen as a "window to Britain" for 20 Chinese youngsters hoping for a vantage point on life in the UK.
As part of the China Young Ambassador UK initiative, the group of 12 to 15-year-olds from China's most affluent Guan Dong province, are based in the borough for a month, including a week at Trinity School, Shirley Park Road, Shirley.
They hope to learn about local government, day-to-day life, education, environmental initiatives, social care, and to brush up on their English - while helping improve links between the UK and China.
During their stay they will also visit various tourist attractions around the country.
Organiser from Anglo-Chinese Education Services Chang McGinley said of the trip: "The aim is to help Chinese young people to learn about western culture and society to promote understanding and friendship between the two countries.
"We have chosen Croydon as a window to Britain."
It is hoped a group of Croydon youngsters will make a similar trip to China next year.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Comments are closed on this article