This summer, a group of Estonian students gained an authentic taste of China — far beyond what textbooks alone can offer — through hands-on experiences that brought the country's language and culture vividly to life.

From June 24 to July 5, twenty students and teachers from the Confucius Institute at Tallinn University participated in a two-week summer camp hosted by Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

To help the students settle in and make the most of their visit, four volunteer teachers from SUFE conducted basic Chinese classes for the participants. These lessons focused on everyday topics such as daily life, shopping, travel, and food culture, providing an essential foundation for immersive learning.

Many participants had already studied Chinese or developed a strong interest in Chinese culture back home. Some even majored in Chinese studies and had read extensively on the subject. Their time in China gave them the opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real-world experiences.

The group explored iconic sites like Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden, Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple, and the charming water town of Zhujiajiao. They wandered along the Bund and the Huangpu River, sharing laughs and conversations with new friends while absorbing the vibrant energy of this international metropolis.

Beyond sightseeing, the summer camp emphasized immersive cultural learning. Students honed their Chinese skills through lively interactions with locals, bargaining with shopkeepers and chatting with people in the park.

A highlight of the program was a series of interactive cultural exchange activities. Over a dozen Chinese volunteers from the university served as cultural ambassadors, leading hands-on sessions where participants experienced traditional customs firsthand. One memorable experience was crafting scented sachets, a meaningful way to explore the customs of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Students also gained hands-on exposure to table tennis and traditional Chinese items, such as using chopsticks. The camp culminated in a spirited game of shuttlecock kicking, a beloved local pastime that left everyone smiling.

Sources: Official WeChat account of SUFE International Cultural Exchange School at "SHUPL-SICE", and chinadaily.com.cn