Confucius Institute Chinese Language and Culture Immersion Course 2016
Well done to Michael McGrade (6a10), Louisa Preston (6a7) and Art and Design teacher Ms Kelly who have just returned from the Confucius Institute for Scotland Schools’ Summer Immersion trip to China. Below are their reflections on a truly wonderful experience.
Michael McGrade (6a10)
Our trip to China was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life. We began our journey with a rather luxurious flight to Beijing through Dubai. Upon arriving in the capital it was immediately apparent that we were in a country remarkably different to that of our own. The first leg of the trip took place in Tianjin, a modern and yet authentic mainland city. During our fortnight stay we were constantly busy with language and culture classes, trips to markets and museums and tastes of local cuisine. In Beijing, we were fortunate enough to visit China’s most historical sites. From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, we experienced China from an ancient perspective. Above all though, I spent my time there with a brilliant group of like-minded young people who were as captivated by Chinese culture as myself.
Away from its fascinating history and vibrant modernity, my most unforgettable experience was visiting a regular Chinese family. Our morning began with a trip to a local Chinese secondary school where we were paired with another student. The importance of education in China was instantly clear; the school boasted superb academic facilities. In the afternoon we visited our paired families where we tried 饺子(dumplings – a meat and vegetable stuffing coated in pastry) and discussed our daily lives in both English and mandarin- the Chinese school day can average twelve hours! Later that day, we went to a public park in the heart of the city where I was unduly thumped by a local table tennis player.
All in all, my Chinese language skills, appreciation of different cultures and understanding of the world around me have all massively benefitted from this trip. I could not recommend it highly enough.
Louisa Preston (6a7)
I was privileged to be given the opportunity to experience China fully in a way that most people would not get the chance to; through student and family life in Tianjin, and also as a tourist, as we visited famous sights like Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall in Beijing.
From day one, our days were jam-packed as we were either participating in intensive studies at the university or taking part in cultural activities ranging from Kung Fu to making traditional paper art. This experience was enhanced by the other Scottish students who were also on the trip, all of whom were as interested in both learning mandarin and about the Chinese way of life as myself. During our time, we were even given the opportunity to visit a Chinese family home, where we chatted about the differences between Scotland and China from a teenage perspective. Before leaving, we taught them traditional dances such as ‘The Gay Gordons’ and we were in turn taught a traditional Chinese song. I was even served a bowl of ‘lucky’ noodles and eggs on my birthday, which I guess you could say is slightly different to the birthday cakes most of my friends had on their 17th birthdays.
Despite leaving the university behind, our education didn’t stop when we arrived in Beijing. We learned about different periods of Chinese history as we visited several famous monuments throughout the city, accompanied by a fantastic tour guide.
My time in China has greatly increased my thirst for knowledge in both Chinese culture and the language itself. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Ms E Kelly (Art and Design)
Departing on the 10th-27th July the pupils spent the first part of their trip in Tianjin. Staying at Tianjin’s Foreign Studies University, pupils and teachers participated in both language and cultural lessons. Most pupils were limited in their experience with the language and were working toward completion of the YCT Level One test, but for those who were a little more proficient there was an opportunity to attend advanced classes. I’m very proud to say that everyone, including myself, passed the YCT Level One test; Louisa passed level 3 and Michael was the only pupil to sit level 4! Congratulations everyone!
The language program was broken up with cultural activities such as Chinese opera mask and fan painting, Tai Chi and Kung Fu. We also visited Ancient Culture Street, Food Street and The Italian Street. An afternoon at the Tianjin Museum and Art Gallery provided opportunities to view the stunning modern architecture. A visit to our partner school and local families immersed the pupils in local life. Spending the evening with a family in their home within the community allowed us to practice our Chinese conversational skills and make dumplings for dinner, experiencing great hospitality.
Tianjin University had a great community spirit; we joined members of the local community each day for morning exercise and were invited to take part in football, tennis and basketball games in the evenings.
Beijing was the highlight of everyone’s trip. The Great Wall, Olympic Stadium, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven – the itinerary was full of amazing experiences. Unforgettable views from the top of the Great Wall, beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere in a very crowded Summer Palace were a few of the unforgettable moments. The pupils and I were very happy to put our new Mandarin skills to the test, bartering prices at the famous Pearl Market!
Our pupils were a credit to their schools and their Council. Each gained many new skills, formed new friendships and made a lot of memories.
You can see photos from this exciting trip here.
