An amazing trip with amazing new people! We hope to come back next year.
The first in-person Summer School of Chinese Bridge’s Online Chinese Classroom at the University of Kent began with excitement in June. Chinese language and culture learners from the University of Kent arrived at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport on June 18th, where they received a warm welcome from the teachers and students of Xi’an KeDaGaoXin University (KDGX).
At the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Summer School, leaders and teachers from KDGX and ChinesePlus sent well wishes to our students. They hope our students will improve their language proficiency and experience authentic Xi’an and China from all angles.
Over four weeks, our students had firsthand experiences of China’s rich history, diverse cultural life, lively and interesting local customs, and authentic language through bespoke activities. They savoured various delicacies, gained genuine connections between teachers and students at KDGX, and established friendships with their language partners.
The language partners have been really great. we’ve really enjoyed spending time with them.
During the closing ceremony, students from Kent and KDGX expressed their gratitude for the Summer School. The four weeks of studying, living, and interacting together provided valuable opportunities for intercultural communication. Our students were amazed by the teachers and students at KDGX and sincerely welcomed them to come to the University of Kent in the future.
Mandarin programme convenor and the organiser of this Summer School Ru Su said, “on behalf of all the 15 students who participated, I would like to heartfully say thank you to Jan Lowe and colleagues in the International Partnerships at Kent, Xi’an KeDaGaoXin University, ChinesePlus and Division of Arts and Humanities at Kent. With the support of Turing Grants, the funding towards tuition, accommodation, and food on campus, all 15 of our students who were eligible for this opportunity, regardless of their financial situations, could make the trip and gain valuable experiences in Xi’an, China; the leaders especially the Heads of the School of Cultures and Languages and Language Centre, Dr Alvise Sforza Tarabochia and Dr Wissia Fiorucci, have been fully supporting the collaborations between KDGX and Kent, lending helping hands, providing suggestions whenever myself and our students need. Thank you all very much. I hope through our Mandarin programmes/modules, students at the University of Kent will continue to enhance their learning experiences beyond the classrooms and across the oceans.”
You can view our Mandarin learning opportunities and previous workshops