On July 14, the Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University (METU) successfully concluded its 2024 Chinese Bridge Summer Camp. A group of 27 students and 3 accompanying teachers from METU and its high school partners completed a 10-day immersive cultural exchange in Xiamen and Beijing.
The opening ceremony took place on the morning of July 8 at the International Chinese Education College of Xiamen University. Turkish native Chinese teacher Mine Yurtlu, representing all the accompanying teachers, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the chance to lead Turkish students to China for the summer camp. She underscored the significance of learning alongside peers from the UK, France, and Indonesia, with hopes of acquiring new knowledge, sharing cultural perspectives, and forging lasting memories together. Yurtlu encouraged the students to thoroughly investigate unique elements of Chinese culture and the similarities between Chinese and Turkish cultures, thus fostering mutual cultural understanding.
During their six-day stay in Xiamen, participants immersed themselves in Chinese history and culture through courses covering Chinese civilization, architecture, film appreciation, and contemporary China. They visited two campuses of Xiamen University, Gulangyu Island, and Zhongshan Road, experiencing local customs and traditions. Xiamen University also facilitated various engaging cultural activities, including traditional incense making at the Agarwood Museum, appreciating Song Dynasty tea ceremonies at the Tea Culture Museum, and trying quill paper (an intangible cultural heritage paper art). These experiences allowed students to grasp the essence of traditional Chinese culture while igniting their enthusiasm for it.
Subsequently, the group traveled to Beijing, where they visited notable landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace. At the Forbidden City, they admired the magnificence and historical significance of the ancient imperial palace. Climbing the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall amidst light rain, they acknowledged the wisdom and diligence of ancient Chinese workers, feeling pride and satisfaction upon reaching the summit. At the Summer Palace, they enjoyed the scenic beauty of the royal gardens. Beyond sightseeing, the group engaged with local life in old Beijing by taking rickshaw rides through the hutongs and savoring traditional dishes like Peking duck. They also learned how to use Alipay and practiced their bargaining skills in Chinese, celebrating their negotiation successes.
This trip to China left the Turkish students with invaluable memories and rich experiences. They not only discovered China’s extensive history but also witnessed a modern China. This journey is just the beginning. Looking ahead, we anticipate expanding our offerings significantly. We aim to present more opportunities for Turkish students and teachers to visit China, building a bridge for cultural exchange.
