“There are just so many new and exciting things here!” said Dylan Hansen, one of the nine students and teachers from the University of Alberta, Canada, who just experienced a thirteen-day study tour of UIC, which began on 28 December 2012. “It is very different when you come here and experience lots of concepts in person, compared with what we learn in class in Canada,” he added.
With the help of UIC’s International Development Office (IDO), they experienced Chinese traditional culture through lessons on Chinese language, calligraphy, lion dance and taiji.
“The Chinese language lectures are very fun and engaging. They were challenging but, to me anyway, it seemed easy,” one of the two instructors from the Canadian university, Dr. Jérôme Melançon, said confidently.
Visitors from Canada enjoying a taiji lesson
Apart from the lessons mentioned above, the foreigners also took classes on Chinese economics, management, politics and literature, to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of China.
“The courses are well organised,” added Dr. Melançon, “and the lectures covering economics and business are also very informative. They give good perspectives on the challenges that China has faced and will face in the future.”
The other instructor, Prof. Varghese Manaloor, agreed that the courses offered during the study tour were helpful. “I have no doubt that this has been an amazing experience for the students. It benefits both their study and life,” he said.
The visitors attend the Politics in China class
In addition to the in-class study, the visitors toured several sites in Zhuhai, including the Sun Yat-sen Museum, the Mangrove Natural Reserve, Baishi Historic Site, Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone and the Party School.
“I have great words to say about the programmes prepared for us,” Dylan Hansen said, adding that his favourite outdoor trip was the visit to Baishi village. “The village is quiet and beautiful,” he explained. “I find it interesting to see how old the village is and how it is made of stone. Most towns are, at the most, maybe a hundred years old in our province. The history feels more alive here than it does in Canada.”
A visit to Baishi village
The guide interpreted various features of the mangroves
After the study tour, Dr. Melançon became a big fan of UIC. “I am very impressed with UIC’s Whole Person Education,” he said. “All courses are offered in English, which makes it quite different from any other institution in China.
“The courses offered during the study tour reinforced key points about China and Chinese culture, and really went beyond what the students had been told during their lectures back in Canada. The visit has been an excellent opportunity for experiential learning. All the students and staff who have helped us have been excellent and friendly. I feel very welcome.”
Students and teachers gained certificates at the end of the study tour
Photographers: Deen He, Cheryl Chen
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
