Crossing mountains and seas, we meet together to experience the Chinese language and culture. On March 28, a group of American high school teachers and students came to Xi'an Eurasia University. The 22 teachers and students who participated in the 2024 "'Chinese Bridge: Exploring Chinese Culture' Spring Camp for Utah High School Students" attended the bilingual class of the School of Humanities and Education to explore the endless mysteries of Chinese culture. Chinese and American teachers and students strolled through the spring campus together, sharing different life and cultural experiences to deepen their mutual friendship.

Experiencing the Charm of Chinese Culture Through Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Paintings

At the first stop, the American students came to the bilingual course "Ancient and Modern Chang'an" by the School of Humanities and Education. The teacher, Xue Wen, talked about the essence of Chinese calligraphy and painting. The students seemed to be in the historical corridor of Chang'an, an ancient capital of China, immersing themselves in the charm of China's culture.

(Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) Bilingual Class of "Ancient and Modern Chang'an" by the School of Humanities and Education

"the left falling, the right falling, and the horizontal bending with an upward hook." Teacher Xue Wen introduced the basic strokes and writing techniques of Chinese calligraphy to the students, guiding them to experience the elegance of the brush and the ethereal aroma of the ink. Everyone tried their hand at wielding the brush and splashing ink, feeling the charm of Chinese characters and the artistic beauty of calligraphy. Xue Wen also explained the composition and techniques of Chinese painting to the students, allowing them to appreciate the artistic conception and spirit of traditional landscape, flower, and bird paintings.

(Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) Bilingual Class of "Ancient and Modern Chang'an" by the School of Humanities and Education

In class, Chinese and American students drew many vivid paintings together. These works not only show the cultural characteristics of their respective countries, but also integrate each other's imagination and creativity. During painting, everyone collaborated with one another in discussing the techniques and expression ways, deepening their understanding and respect for each other's culture.

Strolling in the Campus, Chatting Heart to Heart in the Springtime

At the second stop, guided by the teacher Jiang Fei from the International Cooperation and Exchange Center, students from American high schools started visiting the campus of Xi'an Eurasia University. In the springtime, the campus was lush with vegetation. Everyone strolled on the shady path and enjoyed the beautiful and vibrant campus environment.

(Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) American Teachers and Students are Visiting the Museum of Design and the Student Living Room in the South Area

At the Student Living Room in the South Area, the Library, and the Museum of Design, Jiang Fei introduced the architectural style, teaching facilities, and cultural activities of Xi'an Eurasia University to students. She then showed the students the charm of international education and the "student-centered" open learning atmosphere. Students from American high schools were accompanied by volunteers from the School of Humanities and Education. During the visit, they shared their learning and campus experiences and tried to understand each other's cultural backgrounds and living habits.

(Fig. 7) Exchanges of Students Between American High Schools and the School of Humanities and Education

Afterward, the Chinese and American teachers and students experienced the buffet dinner together. In the delicious food and relaxed atmosphere, they thoroughly enjoyed this pleasant springtime. Everyone sat together, alternating between English and Chinese to communicate, sharing the customs and traditions of their respective countries and discussing their hometowns and life experiences. The different cultures collided and blended at the dinner table.

Expanding of International Horizon in Multicultural Collision

Inspired by the collision of multiple culture, students at the School of Humanities and Education learned more about the diversity and richness of the world through interaction with their US peers.

(Fig. 8) Group Photo of Volunteers from the School of Humanities and Education and Students from American High Schools

Xian Jingyan, a volunteer from the 2021 class of the Bilingual Program in Applied Psychology, said, "This wonderful time was full of joy, interaction, and harvest. In the cafeteria, we had lunch together and tasted authentic Chinese cuisine. At that moment, the exchange of food culture quickly warmed our friendship. Particularly unforgettable was the Chinese brush painting class. They held the brushes, focused and engaged, and despite being their first attempt, they showed a love for Chinese art. They shared exciting experiences of the daily life of American high school students and their unique experiences at the Shaolin Temple in Henan. They also spoke highly of the ancient city of Xi'an. This activity made me deeply realize the power of cultural exchanges. It allows young people from all over the world to break through geographical boundaries and enhance mutual understanding and friendship. At the same time, it also triggered my in-depth thinking on how to promote traditional Chinese culture better and bring it to the world stage. In the future, we will continue our efforts to give more international friends the opportunity to experience the profundity of Chinese culture in person.

(Fig. 9) Group Photo of Volunteers from the School of Humanities and Education and Students from American High Schools

Huang Kejing, a volunteer from the 2021 Bilingual Class of the English major, said, "This activity allows me to understand the education system of the United States and learn how to use a US-style pithy formula to make choices. I have made a lot of American friends too."

(Fig. 10) Group Photo of Volunteers from the School of Humanities and Education and the US Team

Driven by the university's development strategy of "local internationalization", the School of Humanities and Education has further expanded its international programs, providing students with diversified global exploration paths and a cultural atmosphere backed by international multiculturalism. Wang Yuqi, head of the School's International Affairs Center, suggested that students should fully participate in various international exchange activities after studying professional courses so as to strengthen personal extension and view their studies and life from a new perspective.

(Contributed by Man Sicong from the School of Humanities and Education)