On the morning of July 5, the closing ceremony of the "Chinese Bridge" Summer Camp for international students from the Confucius Institute at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, was held at Teaching Building No. 1, Hangtiancheng Campus of Beijing City University (BCU). International students and volunteers gathered together to review the two-week enriching and wonderful journey of learning and cultural exchange. Ma Xinkai from the International affairs Office, the Mexican delegation, and all the Chinese volunteers attended the ceremony.
The ceremony began with a well-produced review video that brought all teachers and students back to the memorable moments of the summer camp. From the focused expressions in Chinese language classes to the laughter during cultural experience sessions such as Peking Opera and lacquer fan making; from field visits to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone Exhibition Center, to experiencing the traditional Beijing lifestyle in the hutongs and Shichahai—this journey witnessed the resilience and gentleness of the students in cross-cultural adaptation, and also confirmed that education is never a one-way transfer of knowledge, but a two-way growth and resonance.
During the ceremony, Ma Xinkai noted that the students actively participated and thought deeply in class, and were courageous and willing to share in cultural practices, building a bridge of sincere communication between Chinese and foreign teachers and students. Student representatives Leilani and Hector expressed their heartfelt gratitude to BCU, the Confucius Institute at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, and all the instructors. They said that this summer camp experience not only significantly improved their Chinese proficiency, but also deepened their understanding and love for China through immersive cultural experiences. Tu Zeyu, a student volunteer representative from the English program, shared that this volunteer experience had enabled him to gain friendships that transcend borders and strengthened his conviction to contribute to cross-cultural exchanges with youthful energy.
After the ceremony, all teachers and students took a group photo. The successful hosting of this summer camp not only enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Mexican youth, but also accumulated valuable experience for BCU to further deepen international Chinese language education and cultural exchanges. In the future, BCU will continue to expand international exchange channels and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and other countries to a higher level.
