Chinese students visiting Wareham are flying home after spending several weeks in New England with Wareham High School students.

The Wareham School District just completed its second Chinese student exchange in five months. A dozen students from Guangzhou, China traveled to Wareham from April 24 to May 7, following a trip to China by Wareham students, teachers and administrators last September.

During their visit to Wareham, Chinese students were each paired with a Wareham student and visited classes and extracurricular activities with their student buddy, getting instruction in English and an idea of United States culture.

In the evening, exchange students headed to the homes of local host families, who provided lodging and a glimpse into United States homes for the Chinese students.

Throughout the two-week stay, Chinese students took a field trip to Trip Advisor headquarters in Needham, toured Stonehill College in Easton, checked out Harvard and MIT campuses and participated in activities at the Wareham YMCA.

Finally, Chinese exchange students were administered the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam during their last weekend in town.

"It promotes global citizenship by engaging with students from the other side of the world," said Matthew Stanton, Wareham High School’s global education advisor. "It also raises awareness of the different cultures and how citizens must become more familiar with international customs and courtesies in this ever-expanding global economy."

Stanton said he has seen this program reinforce values of respect and understanding of all backgrounds in Wareham High School students.

"It helps foster our climate of acceptance and strength through diversity," Stanton said.