The 2024 "Chinese Bridge" International Student Summer Camp came to a close in Changsha on July 10. Nearly 70 youth participants from the Republic of Montenegro, Kyrgyzstan, and Vietnam bade farewell to Changsha, starting their journeys back home.

The international students visit a leading Chinese manufacturer of construction machinery. (Photo provided by CSUST)

The "Chinese Bridge" International Student Summer Camp was organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education (MOE), and hosted by Changsha University of Science and Technology (CSUST). The camp aims to help international youth better understand China's spiritual values and cultural character, and to further promote cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and foreign countries. The event included language and culture courses and exchanges between Chinese and foreign youth, as well as historical and cultural tours.

 
As the organizer of the event, CSUST meticulously arranged a variety of courses on subjects including intangible cultural heritages, traditional Chinese clothing, Tai Chi, and traditional Chinese medicine. The international students were guided to try their hand at making traditional Chinese lacquer fans, sachets, and paper-folding costumes. The participants tried out Tai Chi and traditional Chinese medical practices, including acupuncture, moxibustion and massage. They also visited a number of landmark scenic spots such as Yuelu Academy, the Hunan Museum, and Orange Isle.

Chinese and international students exchange views in a meeting. (Photo provided by CSUST) 

Chinese and international students held discussions, ignited by sparks of wisdom from their different cultural backgrounds. The international students also visited some leading Chinese enterprises of construction machinery, learning about China's sci-tech progress and achievements.

"Through these activities, we have broadened our vision while making a lot of new friends. We exchanged views in Chinese language and learned from each other, obtaining knowledge, friendship, and wonderful memories," said Montenegrin student Pan Shoiyao at the summer camp closing ceremony. She has learned Chinese language at the Confucius Institute at the University of Montenegro for one year. "I hope that I will have more chances to come to China, to further explore this beautiful country," she added.

CSUST Vice President Tan Chuansheng noted that his wish is that the "Chinese Bridge" will lead each international student to enjoy their own unique journey in China. He hoped that the international students will become envoys of friendship, bringing their wonderful memories of Changsha to their countries, and attracting more international friends to understand China.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: Chinanews