Recently, KL International School of Chongqing Bashu (KLIS) was invited to set up a booth at the American Citizens Fair held at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. As the only American-style independent non-profit international school in Chongqing, we connected face-to-face with American expat families. The event has now successfully concluded, let’s take a look back at the highlights!
About the American Citizens Fair
The American Citizens Fair is an annual community event organized by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing for American citizens living in China, offering consular services, social networking, and family activities. This year's fair celebrated “Freedom 250,” marking 250 years of American independence, with U.S. Ambassador David Perdue attending and addressing the community.
It is worth mentioning that, thanks to its long-standing commitment to an authentic American education system, professional educational standards, and a strong reputation within the international community, KLIS received a special invitation from the U.S. Embassy in China to become the only international school from Southwest China to participate in the exhibition. This not only recognizes KLIS’s educational achievements but also gives us the opportunity to bring Chongqing’s American-style educational resources to Beijing and connect with more American expatriate families. On the day of the event, the embassy courtyard was filled with a festive atmosphere, with booths featuring food, games, and information interspersed throughout. KLIS’s booth was an important stop among them.
KLIS Booth Highlights
As the only international school from Chongqing invited to set up a booth at the American Citizens Fair, KLIS brought the authentic American educational experience of Southwest China directly to the heart of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Our team proudly represented the vibrant international community in Chongqing and engaged with dozens of American expat families throughout the day.
1、KLIS Branded Giveaways: Our team handed out customized KLIS souvenirs, including luggage tags, coasters, sports wristbands, and school brochures, giving attendees a tangible connection to our school.
2、Lucky Draw: We prepared custom-branded giveaway items—umbrellas, water bottles, and caps featuring the KLIS logo. Families lined up for a chance to win, and each lucky draw brought cheers and smiles. Many fortunate families walked away with their KLIS souvenirs.
3、Mini Lego Challenge: This was one of the most popular activities at our booth! We set up a “5-Minute Mini Lego Challenge” inviting children and families to choose one of four themes: Build your Future, Build your School, Build your Home, or Build your World. With focused concentration, participants built creative structures within just five minutes. After completing their masterpiece, they simply scanned a QR code to receive a special KLIS giveaway (limited to 50 pieces). Many parents commented that this challenge not only honed their children’s hands-on skills and creativity but also gave them a genuine taste of KLIS’s emphasis on interdisciplinary, project-based, and personalized learning.
4、One-on-One Conversations: Our admissions team was on hand to speak directly with American families living in Beijing, answering questions about everything from our American Common Core curriculum and personalized education approach to our campus life in Chongqing and the benefits of joining the KLIS community.
Special Moment: U.S. Ambassador and Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs Visit the KLIS Booth
On the day of the event, David Perdue, U.S. Ambassador to China, along with the Minister-Counselor for Consular Affairs, visited the KLIS booth and had a warm and cordial conversation with our staff. The Ambassador expressed his appreciation for our school's educational achievements and asked in detail about KLIS's development in Chongqing, as well as the implementation of the American curriculum. The Minister-Counselor also affirmed the educational services our school provides to American families in China. This cherished moment is not only a testament to KLIS's years of dedication to international education but also a great source of encouragement for us.
Looking Forward
Being invited to the American Citizens Fair was far more than a showcase for KLIS—it was a culturally and educationally significant exchange. As the only American-style international school from Chongqing invited to exhibit, we represented the high standards of international education in Southwest China on the stage of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Through face-to-face interactions with American expat families and in-depth conversations with the U.S. Ambassador and Consul Minister, KLIS helped build a bridge of people-to-people understanding and trust between American and Chinese communities. We firmly believe that education is the best bridge connecting the world. Moving forward, KLIS will continue to uphold the values of excellence, openness, and inclusiveness, providing high-quality American-style education for expat families in Chongqing while actively participating in more cross-cultural and international events—nurturing the next generation of globally minded citizens.
