On July 30, 2024, CDUT successfully held the closing ceremony for its Summer Training Course on International Communication of Chinese Language and Culture. The event took place in Room 3206 of the College of Foreign Languages & Cultures, and was moderated by Ms. Tong Linya from the College of International Education. Representing the college, Section Chief Chen Qian from the International Student Office attended the ceremony, joined by faculty members Mr. Geng Haoyue and Mr. Xiang Qirui. The ceremony also welcomed six international students from El Colegio de México (Colmex).
At the outset of the ceremony, Ms. Tong Linya warmly welcomed the attending leaders, faculty members, and students, expressing her heartfelt gratitude. She provided a brief overview of the summer school's key itinerary and praised the students for their excellent performance throughout the activities. Following her remarks, the six international students from Colmex took turns sharing their experiences and reflections from the summer course.
Closing Ceremony of Summer Training Course on International Communication of Chinese Language and Culture
Jonathan, a graduate student focusing on Afro-Asian relations at Colmex, shared his thoughts: "I have been captivated by Chinese culture since I was a child, and I never imagined I would have the privilege of coming to China. I am deeply thankful to every teacher and staff member at CDUT for their attentive care and thoughtful arrangements during these past four weeks. It felt as if I had opened a door to an entirely new world. Every Chinese language class and every interaction with my Chinese friends deepened my understanding of Chinese language and culture."
Citlalli, a Mexican student with a passion for Chinese poetry who speaks Chinese, expressed her excitement: "I have long anticipated coming to China to experience the richness of Chinese culture in person. I am immensely grateful to CDUT for this opportunity. Over the past four weeks, visiting ancient buildings and museums felt like a journey back in time, allowing me to witness the evolution of Chinese history. The intricate artifacts and the stories they hold have truly captivated me. Every field visit and every lecture at a company revealed China’s progress and innovation. This firsthand experience is something you can’t glean from books, and it has left me eagerly looking forward to my future research."
The students unanimously agreed that this experience was one of the most treasured moments in their lives. They expressed their intention to share the beauty of China with their families and friends back home. Their reflections vividly captured the vibrant and meaningful learning journey they experienced.
Outstanding Presentations by Six International Participants
Chen Qian, Section Chief of International Student Office, subsequently delivered a speech, commending the students for their active engagement during the summer school. She highlighted that this brief yet enriching journey not only enhanced the students' proficiency in Chinese but also deepened their understanding of Chinese language and culture. Moreover, it laid a strong foundation for future cooperation and exchanges between CDUT and Colmex. Ms. Chen Qian, representing the College of International Education at CDUT, then awarded the students their completion certificates. These certificates not only acknowledged the students' dedication and perseverance over the past 30 days but also marked a new chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions.
Section Chief Chen Qian conferring course completion certificates
At the closing ceremony, the college presented two of President Xi Jinping’s books to the international students as a parting gift. Earlier, the students had expressed a strong desire to own a book by President Xi, hoping that through reading, they could gain deeper insights into China’s development philosophy and governance strategies, thus better understanding and connecting with China. These books represent not only a transfer of knowledge but also a symbol of friendship, offering the students a window into a deeper understanding of China. The ceremony concluded with a group photo, capturing this precious and unforgettable moment.
Group photo of faculty and students at the closing ceremony
During the past 30 days, the six international students from Colmex immersed themselves in the vast expanse of Chinese language and culture, reaping both knowledge and life experiences. In the classroom, they systematically studied Chinese language and cultural courses, visited numerous historical sites, and experienced the profound cultural heritage of China. They also engaged with local enterprises, conducted on-site visits and research, and attended insightful lectures from experts in business, academia, and related fields. This diverse and enriching series of activities significantly broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding. The students expressed their commitment to bringing the knowledge and culture they acquired in China back to Mexico, and in their future endeavors, they aspire to serve as ambassadors of friendship, fostering exchange and cooperation between China and Mexico.
The successful hosting of this summer course has added a new chapter to CDUT's ongoing efforts in international cultural exchange and communication. Looking ahead, CDUT will continue to expand its international cooperation and enhance its global presence. By leveraging exchange activities such as summer courses, CDUT aims to provide international students with a broad platform to showcase Chinese language and culture and to highlight the unique character and spirit of CDUT.
Highlights from the Summer Course
Chinese Language and Cultural Courses
The Chinese language courses offered by CDUT's faculty opened a gateway for international students into the world of the Chinese language. Through dynamic and engaging teaching, students not only acquired language skills but also gained a deep appreciation of the cultural heritage embodied in Chinese characters. Language serves as a vessel for culture; through their study of Chinese, we explored the vast expanse of China’s history, experienced the transformation of Chinese society, and felt the enduring charm of Chinese culture.
Visiting Polygon (Chengdu) Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Engaging with distinguished scholars in keynote lectures
During the four-week summer school, students had the privilege of attending a series of lectures by esteemed experts across various fields. Together with these experts, they examined China’s successful eradication of absolute poverty and its profound implications for Latin America, as well as analyzed China’s green economy initiatives, with a particular focus on the strategic importance of the carbon neutrality goal. Through cultural exchange lectures, they delved into the spread of Chinese online literature and contemporary literature, as well as the cultural differences in translation between China and the West. These enriching experiences not only broadened their international perspectives but also deepened their understanding and respect for diverse cultures. A highlight of the program was the dialogue between renowned writer A Lai and Spanish translator Liliana, which provided students with a vivid example of cross-cultural communication in action.
Rich and colorful sightseeing activities
Extracurricular activities undeniably stood out as another highlight of the summer course. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, international students encountered the endearing charm of China's national treasure. At the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, they immersed themselves in the sentiments and resilience of the revered poet. The Sanxingdui Museum left them in awe of the grandeur of the ancient Shu civilization. The serene environments of Mount Qingcheng and Wenshu Monastery provided a glimpse into the harmony and Zen that characterize traditional Chinese culture, while the breathtaking natural beauty of Guangwu Mountain allowed them to marvel at the splendor of China’s landscapes. Moreover, their visits to the Chengdu Planning Exhibition Hall and Xinglong Lake offered a firsthand view of the dynamic growth driving New Chengdu. These field trips not only enriched the students’ cultural experiences but also enabled them to learn through practical engagement and grow through immersive experiences.
