Successful Chinese Bridge Summer Camp Held at APU in 2025

The "Chinese Bridge" Summer Camp, organized by the Confucius Institute at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, was held from September 2 to September 11, 2025. Funded by the Language Exchange and Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Education, the event was hosted by the International Education College of Zhejiang University. The camp welcomed a total of 17 students from six different countries, including Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Australia, South Korea, and India.

The summer camp officially commenced on September 3rd with an engaging opening ceremony at the International Education College of Zhejiang University. During this ceremony, college representatives introduced attendees to the historical and cultural heritage of Hangzhou, along with an overview of Zhejiang University. The discussions included important arrangements and notices for the duration of the camp. To encourage interaction among the multicultural group, a series of ice-breaking activities were organized, allowing students from various backgrounds to quickly connect and find common ground in a lively atmosphere.

Focusing on practical language application, the Chinese language courses were designed to be both enjoyable and informative. Instructors centered their teachings on relatable themes, such as "transportation," "daily life," and "shopping," while utilizing interactive pedagogical techniques to engage students actively. By the end of the week, noticeable improvements in the students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills were reported.

Cultural lectures delivered during the camp effectively balanced elements of tradition with modern insights. One notable session was a tea culture seminar, which included expert presentations, skill demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, enabling students to delve deep into the history and techniques of tea-making dating back to the Song Dynasty. Additionally, a lecture on societal customs covered a broad range of topics such as clothing, food, housing, and transportation, thereby highlighting the contemporary vibrancy of China, particularly within Hangzhou.

The cultural experience activities were both energizing and diverse. Among these, students visited the Lingyin Temple, nurturing their understanding of ancient Buddhist practices; they also explored the Grand Canal, grasping its historical significance and modern relevance. A night excursion around the scenic West Lake and Hefang Street allowed participants to revel in the enchanting beauty often described as "paradise on earth," while a visit to Song City offered an immersive cultural experience combining historical and modern artistic expressions.

In their free time, many students engaged in uniquely Chinese experiences, such as using shared bicycles and ride-hailing services, discovering the conveniences offered by modern technology. Notably, they eagerly practiced their newfound language skills by communicating in Chinese with local residents, which exemplified the camp's educational philosophy of learning through real-world application.

This summer camp not only afforded international students a profound insight into Chinese culture but also functioned as a pivotal bridge for cultural exchange between China and the participating nations. The immersive experiences and practical activities contributed to students' language enhancement and cultural appreciation, further igniting their enthusiasm for ongoing Chinese studies.