Irish Secondary School Students Experienced Chinese Culture in Their Summer Camp

From March 10 to 20, 2016, the summer camp organized by UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland, Renmin University of China as well as the Confucius Headquarters (Hanban) had engaged the participations of the Confucius Classroom at Jesus and Mary College and St. Colmcille’s Community School. 53 students and ? teachers visited the Confucius Headquarters (Hanban), Renmin University of China and its affiliated middle school, Beijing No.9 High School successively. Moreover, they also visited the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Niaochao National Stadium, Beijing National Aquatics Center, Terracotta Army, Xi'an Beilin Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda for more first-hand cultural experiences and were all amazed by the splendid performances of Chinese Kongfu and acrobatics.

At the Confucius Headquarters (Hanban), they were able to access a variety of text books, teaching software, and the most advanced teaching equipment. During their time in Renmin University of China, the students enriched their knowledge of Chinese language and Chinese calligraphy by means of close interactions with experienced instructors. Meanwhile, the students from the affiliated middle school of Renmin University of China and Beijing No.9 High School showed the Irish students and teachers a tour of the campus. The students from Ireland and China have forged a good friendship with each other during this camp.

The summer camp has enhanced the Irish students’ understanding of Chinese history, culture, architecture and cuisine, which granted them opportunities to look into China from a different perspective as well as practicing language skills in the target language country. Many of the Irish students hope to visit China again with their families and friends.