On February 1st, the online exchange program for students from countries along the “Belt and Road” is launched officially in the Dajiang Hall of Yifulou. The program is hosted by the Chinese and Foreign Language Exchange and Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Education and will last for 9 days. Vice president Li Yingying gave a speech at the opening ceremony.

In her speech, she pointed out that the “Chinese Bridge” program is an important platform for international students to study the Chinese language and understand China. In response to the covid-19 global pandemic in 2020, the center for the first time launched a series of online exchange programs. Following in the center’s footsteps, TFSU actively cooperated with overseas Confucius institutes and partner school. With the support of the Confucius institute of Volgograd State University, South Ural State University, Moscow State University of Education and Kuban State University, TFSU’s exchange program has enrolled over 200 international students, providing an online platform for students from “Belt and Road” countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Armenia.

Shi Yajun, deputy dean of the school of European Studies, along with student representative Яна Александровна Скорикова delivered their speeches. Shi Yajun highlighted the importance of the program as a bridge for youths from China and around the world to connect and bond with each other.

Яна Александровна Скорикова expressed her gratitude for having the chance to participate in the program. She mentioned her keen interest in Chinese culture and wished to improve her Chinese proficiency through the program.

To prepare for the program, all instructors collaborated and designed a complete curriculum over the course of two months. The course range from elementary language studies to colorful cultural experience classes. Cultural courses including historical heritage such as Yangliuqing wood engraving picture, Goubuli Steamed Buns and Clay Figure Zhang Painted Sculptures were presented in the style of interviews and live-action filming.

It has been reported that, for TFSU’s first attempt to propose the “Chinese Bridge” exchange programs, all eight proposed programs were approved. The number of approvals are amongst the highest in universities around the country. At present, video courses of each group are in the process of filming and will soon be released. Each group will carry out live broadcasting, online experience and video courses under the categories of “language study”,” bilateral communication”, “modern China”, “cultural characteristics” etc. A studio classroom featuring the story of China and Chinese culture will thus be established.

Staff from the Confucius Institute Office and School of European Studies attended the opening ceremony.