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Ateneo Confucius Institute organizes successful China Summer Camp across Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen

Ateneo Confucius Institute organizes successful China Summer Camp across Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen

16 Jul 2024

From 30 June to 13 July 2024, the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University organized its annual China Summer Camp together with its partner institution, Sun Yat-sen University. Nineteen students from various schools participated in the program, where they enjoyed a three-and-a-half-day Beijing City tour, a two-day Shenzhen City tour, and attended a seven-day Chinese language and culture course at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou.

I was captivated by the beauty of the language, which transcends through ancient history and generations, the rich culture and traditions passed down over time, and the unique art styles that are integral to this vibrant culture. – Shandeigh Yu

2024 Summer Camp Class PIc — Ateneo Confucius Institute Summer Camp participants with SYSU Department of Chinese Language and Literature Vice Dean, Mr. Fan Changxi (first row, center), Ateneo CI Administrative Assistant Ms. Stephanie Tan (second row, 1st from the right) and Program Officer, Ms. Sophia Constantino (3rd row, 2nd from left)

The China Summer Camp helped me know and understand the history and culture of a significant part of my identity – Kendrick Huang

The trip started in Beijing, where the campers visited China’s most famous sites, such as the Great Wall of China, Tian’anmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and Beijing Olympic Park. Through their firsthand encounters at these historic places, the participants gained deeper insights into the country’s culture, history, and development over the years.

Summer Camp Great Wall — At the Great Wall of China Juyongguan

Summer Camp at HQ — At the Center for Language Education and Cooperation Headquarters

Summer Camp at the Bird's Nest — At the Beijing Olympic Stadium

Summer Camp at the Summer Palace — At the Summer Palace

After the Beijing tour, the participants flew south to Guangzhou and attended classes at Sun Yat-sen University. They took intensive courses in Practical Chinese Conversation, Chinese Knots, Chinese Fan Design, Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese Paper Cutting, Chinese Opera, and Chinese Martial Arts. The participants had the chance to explore campus life at SYSU and interact with local students and residents.

I was able to gain various new insights about many facets of life, which will definitely help add to my knowledge and skillset. – Stacey Ngo

The participants also had a two-day trip to China’s Technological Capital, Shenzhen, where they visited Nantou Walled City, Dafen Art Museum located at Dafen Oil Painting Village, and Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MOCAUP).

The campers concluded the trip with a visit to the recently opened Bai'etan Greater Bay Area Art Center in Guangzhou.

I was able to see what it would be like should I plan to further enhance my Chinese Language skills in China. This camp allowed me to experience living like a local - ordering food, riding the metro, renting a bike, etc. – Shannon Chua

SC Class — Chinese Class (photo by Sun Yat-sen University)

SC Class 2 — Chinese Class (photo by Sun Yat-sen University)

SC Class 3 — Chinese Class (photo by Sun Yat-sen University)

All of these activities, including meals and accommodations, were subsidized by Sun Yat-sen University and the Chinese International Education Foundation. All students were required to take the HSK Levels 1 and 2 examinations to qualify for the program. Through this Summer Camp, the Ateneo Confucius Institute hopes to encourage more Filipino students to learn about China’s history, culture, language, and modern society, as well as develop friendly and lasting relationships between Filipino students, Chinese students, and teachers.