The Certificate Program of Chinese Language and Culture for foreign interns since last September was completed on 29 May. Around 20 foreign interns, who are working as teaching assistants in various units at UIC, successfully finished the program after a deep immersion in a range of China-study projects.
Besides language learning, the foreign learners attended a series of lectures on Chinese culture and society which covered China’s history, philosophy, religion, politics, economy, education, and other cultural and social topics. To vivify the theoretic study, they were also required to take a number of field trips or social visits. In addition, the program provided the learners with opportunities for cultural experience including calligraphy, tai chi, Chinese painting, shadow puppet drama, etc.
Candy Cai, instructor from Chinese Language and Culture Centre, helping her student Jacob Myers clear his confusion
This program was organised by Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLC) of UIC. A certificate of attendance for this program was available, and those who completed the language learning module and passed the language proficiency test would be issued a certificate of proficiency.
Jenny Cui, Assistant Professor from the CLC, hosts the closing ceremony
At the closing ceremony of the program, the foreign interns were able to make presentations in Chinese language to share their experiences in China.
In the presentation section, Jacob Myers told his classmates of the insects and special fruit that he had seen in China; Karentina Albin talked about making dumplings with her Chinese friends and the tough time when she was not used to the air of this new land; David Suda introduced his travel stories through Chinese cities; Sherry Liu spoke of her gourmet trips and her family; Brock Erdahl thought pandas adorable and travelling delightful; and Laura Braden said she liked natural landscape rather than crowded cities.
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| The foreign learners make presentations in Chinese |
Afterwards, the foreigners showed their fascinating art talents. Michael Li and Catherine Keith respectively sang Chinese pop songs with a guitar accompaniment, and Karentina Albin and David Suda read a Chinese poem of Hai Zi together on the stage.
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| Chinese talent shows performed by the foreigners |
“The program is fantastic. My Chinese is incredibly better than when I just came here. I have had a lot of fun,” said Michael Li after the closing ceremony. He praised Jenny Cui and Candy Cai as great Chinese teachers, who helped him develop from an outlander who could only speak three Chinese words to a decent Chinese speaker.
Prof. Zee Sze Yong, Vice President of UIC, presents the certificate to Solveig Beckel
Photographer/Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
