On August 18th, 2017, the two-week Summer Camp of International Students of Jilin University (JLU) concluded successfully. Staff concerned from the School of International Education and School of International Chinese Language Education attended the graduation ceremony and granted the certificate and souvenir to all members. They hoped that the students, after they returned to their homeland, would continue to learn Chinese and Chinese culture and contribute to the friendly exchanges between their country and China. Students all showed their deep appreciation for JLU teachers who worked hard and earnestly despite the searing heat of summer.
The Summer Camp officially kicked off on August 7th and was attended by 14 students from Russia, the United States, South Korea, Finland, India and Bangladesh. Focused on the learning of traditional Chinese culture, the Summer Camp offered Chinese language courses and lectures on Chinese culture in various forms such as erhu (a stringed musical instrument), Tai Chi, martial arts, calligraphy, paper-cutting, mask paining, teaching songs, making dumplings and visiting enterprises and museums. The Summer Camp was a good chance for the international students to understand Changchun and experience the Chinese culture.
Within just two weeks, the international students experienced dazzling traditional Chinese cultural activities, such as paper-cutting, calligraphy and mask paining. The calligraphy experience was particularly welcomed by the students. They liked the several characters that meant “luck”, “friendship” and “love” the most, indicating how they felt about China and the Chinese culture. Paper-cutting was a hands-on activity that enabled the students to better learn about the traditional Chinese culture and experience the charm of China’s folk art. In the mask painting class, the teacher introduced the history and evolution of the traditional art of Chinese opera masks and displayed exquisite masks. The international students showed a keen interest in it, and each of them finished a mask independently within just two hours.
To help
the international students better understand Changchun and China, the College of International Education arranged for them to exchange with their Chinese buddies. Chinese and international students of similar age and interested in similar things made acquaintance with each other, tasted Chinese delicacies, talked about interesting things, learned about each other’s culture and played foreign games. They talked happily and freely over food and drinks. The exchange deepened the bond between Chinese and international students and was liked by all.
As the summer Chinese language course was coming to an end, students wished it had lasted longer as they were just beginning to get to know China. Recollecting all the moments of their life in the summer, the students developed a strong attachment to the Chinese culture. They hoped to come to China and study in JLU once again.
