Edu

Recently, a notable guest visited Ningbo (宁波) University of Finance and Economics: Professor Mark Levine, a renowned American sociologist, and musician currently teaching at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing. Known for his passion for Eastern cultures, Professor Levine embarked on an enlightening cultural exchange that allowed both him and the students to explore the heart of Chinese traditional arts. The event was not just a showcase of Chinese arts but a two-way journey of understanding and appreciation between East and West, underscoring the transformative power of cultural exchange. Traditional Arts that Captivated a Western Scholar Professor Levine’s introduction to Chinese traditional culture began with an immersive experience in Yueju (越剧), or Yue Opera, one of China’s oldest and most cherished regional operas. The performance, held on campus, featured students dressed in exquisite costumes, skillfully portraying the beauty and elegance of the Jiangnan region through both their acting and singing. The intricate costumes, delicate movements, and haunting melodies of the opera left a deep impression on the professor, who was visibly moved by the artistry. He marveled at the historical stories conveyed through the opera, calling it “absolutely magical.” His enthusiasm was not just for the performance itself but…

Hefei (合肥), the capital city of Anhui Province, has seen an unexpected yet vibrant cultural movement emerge—international students in local universities are embracing China's rich traditions and intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This movement, which has taken root across several universities, highlights a growing fascination with Chinese art, history, and cultural practices among the city's international student body. Hefei's universities host nearly 3,000 international students from various countries. While many come to study academic subjects, a significant number have found themselves captivated by the diverse and colorful world of Chinese traditional culture. A wide array of courses and hands-on experiences in non-material heritage has drawn these students into China's cultural fold, offering them an opportunity to connect with something far beyond textbooks and lectures. With an increasing focus on fostering cross-cultural understanding, these institutions have tailored educational programs to introduce international students to the country's most cherished cultural practices, from paper cutting to traditional Chinese medicine. The "Non-heritage Cultural Boom" in Hefei has now become an integral part of the university experience, making China's living traditions more accessible and relatable to a global audience. Learning Through Experience In the classroom and beyond, Hefei's universities have been offering a rich curriculum of…

On October 31, 2024, Tokyo hosted the 9th HSK Study Abroad and Employment Fair. China's rising global influence became an attractive destination for young Japanese seeking academic and professional opportunities. With nearly 60 Chinese universities and Chinese-Japanese businesses participating, the event served as a vibrant platform for showcasing China's dynamic market and its diverse possibilities to Japanese youth. One of the standout moments came from Ayata Utsunomiya, a recent Waseda University graduate who shared his journey and insights into the growing opportunities in China. "During my time studying in China, I realized just how vast the potential of the Chinese market is. Seeing Japanese companies thrive in China inspired me to consider working for Japanese firms closely connected to Chinese trade and business," Utsunomiya said. His remarks reflected the broader sentiment at the fair, where many young Japanese participants were eager to explore China's economic prospects and cultural exchanges. The Dynamic Appeal of Studying and Working in China The HSK Fair saw a high turnout, with young attendees ranging from university students to recent graduates seeking to understand China's potential as a place for higher education and professional growth. Among the most enthusiastic were three sisters of mixed Chinese-Japanese descent,…

A Path Towards Agricultural Innovation At 31, Kong Qi (孔七) from Rwanda is not just a student but a symbol of agricultural transformation. A doctoral student at Anhui Agricultural University, Kong has made it his mission to bring modern agricultural techniques back to his home country. Specializing in maize breeding, he arrived in China in 2019, supported by a Chinese government scholarship. Today, he is pursuing a Ph.D. while working on research that has the potential to change the agricultural landscape in Rwanda and beyond. Kong's research focuses on studying the effects of high temperatures and drought on maize pollen, aiming to develop heat- and drought-resistant varieties. His work couldn't be more relevant in today's world, where climate change is threatening food security, especially in countries like Rwanda, where maize is a staple crop. "Back home, maize is a vital crop, but agricultural technology is still quite underdeveloped. China has advanced techniques and is willing to share them with countries that need help. I want to take this knowledge back to Rwanda and contribute to the development of our agriculture," Kong explains. His journey from Rwanda to China is more than just an academic pursuit—it's a mission to improve food…

In a world where cultural exchanges often remain confined to superficial interactions, some individuals strive to dive deeper, forging genuine connections that transcend borders. Francisco Ford Hardman, a 72-year-old Brazilian professor at the State University of Campinas, is one such person. His journey is not just about understanding China from an academic standpoint but also immersing himself in its rich, intricate tapestry of life, culture, and people. The Unexpected Voyage of a Literary Explorer Hardman’s first encounter with China was in 2013, when he attended a conference on Brazilian literature and culture at the University of Macau. This initial visit, which included a brief stop in Beijing, sparked a fascination that would see him return to China five more times. But it was his experience as a guest professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University in 2019 that truly deepened his connection to the country. The role, which initially appeared to be a straightforward academic appointment, evolved into a profound personal journey, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. During this period, while the world was grappling with uncertainty, Hardman found solace in the camaraderie and warmth of his Chinese colleagues and students. This solidarity witnessed during such trying…

From Kuala Lumpur to Beijing: The Dream That Started It All In the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, a young man named Qu Baiquan (区栢铨) harbored a dream that seemed unconventional to many around him. In 2019, as he filled out his university applications, Qu made a bold decision: he wanted to study broadcasting at one of China's most prestigious media universities. Qu's desire to study in China was not a sudden whim but a seed planted during his childhood. Growing up in a Chinese-Malaysian family, Qu was exposed to Chinese culture and media from an early age. He vividly recalls watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics on television, enchanted by the mascots and the grandeur of the event. This fascination with China deepened during a high school study tour in 2016, when he visited Shanghai and Hangzhou. The experience left an indelible mark on him, sparking a feeling of connection that he had never felt before—a sense of returning home despite being in a foreign land. In Malaysia, Chinese culture is preserved and passed down through various means, including Chinese education, community organizations, and the media. However, the Chinese spoken there is often interspersed with Malay, English, and regional dialects,…