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.
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