Bridging Cultures: AU Students Embark on a Transformative Journey at the 2024 Chinese Bridge Autumn Camp

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Bridging Cultures: AU Students Embark on a Transformative Journey at the 2024 Chinese Bridge Autumn Camp

November 4, 2024

WRITER: CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE OF ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY

Twenty eager students from Assumption University of Thailand (AU) embarked on an unforgettable cultural journey this October, as they joined the 2024 "Chinese Bridge" Autumn Camp hosted by Tianjin University of Science and Technology (TUST), China. Organized by AU’s Confucius Institute, the two-week immersion from October 16 to 29 offered students a rare opportunity to dive deep into Chinese language and culture, setting the stage for lifelong learning and global understanding.

The camp followed a thoughtfully curated "Chinese Learning + Culture + Experience" model, with TUST designing a series of engaging, hands-on courses aimed at capturing the essence of modern Chinese life and traditions. Each day, students immersed themselves in diverse activities, from honing their Chinese language skills to mastering traditional arts like calligraphy, tea-making, and even papermaking. The immersive experience didn’t stop at the classroom door: students attended workshops on Chinese musical instruments, learned to paint in classic styles, and tasted the intricacies of Chinese culinary arts.

Beyond the campus, AU students explored iconic historical sites, including the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, where they saw China’s architectural beauty firsthand. A visit to Beijing’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) allowed students to gain insight into the preservation of Chinese traditions amidst rapid modernization, sparking discussions on the evolution of culture in a globalized world.

The 2024 Chinese Bridge Autumn Camp wasn’t just about learning language and culture; it was about forging connections, building cross-cultural communication skills, and shaping perspectives that will influence these young minds for years to come. This enriching experience reflects the strong partnership between AU and TUST, bringing two cultures closer together and nurturing the next generation of global citizens.