“I’ll Be Back, Shuren!”-Students from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura Complete Language and Cultural Study Program
“I want to come back to Shuren for an exchange program next semester,” and “I hope to pursue my graduate studies in China after I graduate.” On June 7, the university held a grand ceremony to mark the conclusion of the “2024 Language and Cultural Study Program for Students from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura.” This twelve-day program came to an end, and during the closing ceremony, the students reminisced about their time at Shuren, Hangzhou City, China. They expressed their gratitude and reluctance to leave. The memories of their favorite courses, places, and people were vividly shared.
Combining Chinese language classes with cultural lessons makes learning the language anything but dull.
Each morning of the study program was packed with Chinese language courses. Although most students had some foundation in Chinese, it was their first time learning the language in China. To make the challenging Chinese lessons engaging and easier to remember, the two instructors, Liu Zhigang and Nie Huixian, ingeniously combined language classes with cultural lessons. They linked complex and difficult Chinese language points with cultural knowledge and relevant contexts from the cultural classes, which greatly motivated the students. The students were highly attentive in class, arriving early every morning, and eagerly applied what they learned. Often, they could use the language points learned in the morning in the afternoon, which not only delighted them but also served as their greatest motivation for studying Chinese every day.
Engaging with Traditional Chinese Culture: Visually Stunning, Pleasantly Musical, and Deliciously Tasty
In addition to intensive Chinese language studies, a variety of representative traditional Chinese cultural courses such as calligraphy, Chinese painting, tea art, ceramics, martial arts, table tennis, traditional cuisine cooking, and Hanfu dressing were all incorporated into the schedule, greatly enjoyed by the students. Materials for these courses, including brushes and inkstones, tea sets and ceramics, Hanfu attire, paddles, kitchen utensils and ingredients, and tea leaves from tea gardens, were meticulously prepared by the teachers in advance, allowing students to simply arrive at the classroom ready to learn. With thousands of years of cultural heritage, these traditional Chinese courses became approachable and engaging under the skillful guidance of the teachers. Students created their own works in these cultural classes-writing with brush and ink, painting Chinese scrolls, crafting pottery, learning tea ceremony techniques, playing table tennis, and practicing martial arts with precision and grace.
Field trips that combine education with enjoyment
Beyond classroom hours, the International Exchange Office made full use of weekends to arrange field trips for the international students. Visits to West Lake, the Grand Canal, and the Liangzhu Hangzhou Archaeological Site—the three major UNESCO World Heritage sites—left a profound impression on the students. Listening to ancient legends and witnessing the picturesque scenery, they felt transported to distant eras with stories spanning dynasties right before their eyes. In addition to exploring classic traditional sites, students also admired the modern beauty of Hangzhou. They visited urban balconies, witnessed the spectacle of the Sun and Moon in perfect harmony, explored the Olympic Sports Center, and marveled at dazzling light shows. Invitations to visit the Hangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and Huawei’s Global Training Center exposed them to modern architectural wonders and China's rapid development, leaving them in awe.
The meeting adjourns, but the spirit remains
On June 7, the twelve-day Language and Cultural Study Program for students and faculty from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura (referred to as Japura University) concluded. That morning, a distinctive graduation ceremony took place in Room 601 of the Administration Building. President Li Lu and Japura University Vice Chancellor Pathmalal Manage jointly attended the students’ graduation ceremony. Also present were Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Japura University, Dr. Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, Professors Janaka Kumarsinghe and Lukma Weerasinghe, Director of Academic Affairs Jiang Wenjie, Director of International Exchange Wang Yun, Director of Logistics Yu Shengwen, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Foreign Languages Li Jianliang, Dean of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Guo Feng, Deputy Director of International Exchange Wu Ronglan, and teachers from the Academic Affairs Office, Faculty of Humanities and Foreign Languages, School of Economics, and School of Arts.
At the graduation ceremony, President Li Lu and Vice Chancellor Manage delivered speeches and personally awarded the students their graduation certificates. The enthusiastic speeches from the faculty representatives of both universities, along with the brilliant and creative performances by the students from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, showcased the remarkable success and achievements of this study program.
Dressed in traditional attire, the students hosted the event in both Chinese and English, singing and dancing to present a stunning and creative performance for the teachers. The show was a feast for both the ears and the eyes. It began with an enthusiastic Kandyan dance, and as melodious songs played, the students passionately shared the cultural history and geography of Sri Lanka, inviting the teachers to visit their country. The students also performed the Chinese classic song “Jasmine Flower,” demonstrating what they had learned during their study period. Wearing Hanfu, they vividly reenacted key scenes from the legendary tale of “The Legend of the White Snake” in a drama performance. Finally, the students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the school leaders, teachers of various subjects, and all the staff members through a short video they made.
Finally, President Li Lu delivered the closing remarks at the graduation ceremony. “Although the study period was short, parting is for the sake of better reunions,” he said. To keep these wonderful memories alive longer, he suggested that each student write down their experiences, thoughts, and feelings from their time in Hangzhou on a single page. They should record their favorite courses, places, foods, and more. This would serve not only as a memento of these beautiful memories but also as excellent publicity for future language and cultural exchange programs at the university. Additionally, it reflects the spirit of the “Belt and Road Initiative.”
This study program may have come to an end for now, but the friendships we have built will last forever.
