On April 22, the “International Chinese Language Day”event, organized by the Chinese Culture Workshop of Jilin International Studies University (JISU), was held at the JISU Global Village.Themed “Chinese Language: A Bridge for Enhancing Dialogue Among Civilizations,” the event was hosted by the School of International Exchange. It served as a significant extension of the “Chinese Culture Workshop,” a brand course in the university’s international student education program. Over 50 international students from 21 countries joined volunteers—master’s students majoring in International Chinese Language Education—to gather at the venue. Using language as a bridge and culture as a medium, they immersed themselves in the unique charm of the Chinese language and culture through artistic performances and interactive experiences.

International students perform Tai Chi Fan

International students experience Chinese calligraphy

International students create plum blossom paintings through Ink Blowing Technique.

During the event, international students vividly demonstrated their understanding and passion for Chinese language and culture through various forms, including Tai Chi Fan performances, Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chinese dance, singing Chinese song, and poetry recitation. Under the guidance of the graduate volunteers, the students also experienced traditional arts such as paper cutting and origami. In a highlight of the event, they wrote down their future aspirations in Chinese, folded the paper into airplanes, and flew them on site, symbolizing the release of ideals and the pursuit of future dreams.

International students sing Chinese songs

International students wear costumes featuring distinctive Northeastern regional patterns as they participate in interactive games

International students dressed in Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) recite Chinese poetry

The event allowed the international students to truly feel the joy and profound significance of learning Chinese language and culture. “Through continuous study, I have realized that Chinese is not merely a tool, but a window for me to understand China,” remarked Dasha, an undergraduate student majoring in International Chinese Language Education from Belarus. “Learning paper cutting made me feel the Chinese people’s love for life,” said Nana, an undergraduate in Tourism Management from Tajikistan. “I will persist in learning Chinese and explore more of the beauty of Chinese culture!”

International students try their hand at Chinese paper cutting

Chinese and international faculty and students pose for a joyful group photo

Launched in 2016, the “Chinese Culture Workshop” is a signature course for international student education at JISU. Based at the Global Village of JISU, a multicultural education center at the university, the workshop features Jilin’s local folk customs and fine traditional Chinese culture. Its curriculum covers practical experiences including folk music appreciation, Chinese calligraphy, kite making, paper cutting, Chinese knotting, tea art, martial arts, traditional festival customs, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture. It aims to help international students understand and appreciate China, and to love and spread Chinese culture.

This event represents a deep integration of the “International Chinese Language Day” with the practical curriculum of the “Chinese Culture Workshop.” Seizing this opportunity, the university aims to continuously enrich course content and diversify practical experiences. JISU is committed to promoting the innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture and building a bridge of communication for mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations.

Source: School of International Exchange, Publicity Department