Impressions from a one-month scholarship language and culture course at Huaiyin Institute of Technology promoted by iStudy-China.com

1. Language & culture camp at HYIT
One month to know China
by Weronika for iStudy-China.com

2. We came to Huaiyian Institute of Technology for four weeks. Every morning we had
Chinese classes with different teachers. Each teacher had his own part of Chinese to
teach us – there was Comprehensive Chinese, Chinese Listening and Speaking and
Chinese Reading. The Institute provided us with all required books to make it easier
to learn.

3. The professors were all English teachers so there was no problem with
communication. Every lesson we were discovering the meaning behind about 15
new characters, so after one month we were able to introduce ourselves or to ask
for specific food in the canteen.

4. To make the whole internship more interesting, each day (from Monday to Friday,
because weekends were to our disposition), the university provided some kind of
entertainment which helped us get more and more familiar with Chinese culture. We
had, for example, “Cultural Experience” – during which we had 4 trips – one to get to
know Huai’an, second to Zhou Enlai Memorial (the first Premier of the PR of China,
he was from Huai’an).

5. The two other trips were to Traditional Chinese Garden and Ancient Town. It was a
great chance to see traditional Chinese buildings with full equipment – and
Buddhists’ Temple where we were told how to pray and get your own augury.

8. Other way of touching Chinese culture were classes of Chinese Calligraphy and
Painting. First we were told the history of both and then we were provided with
brushes, special paper, ink and guide book.

9. Our master was controlling if
we’re doing it well and at the end
of our course he wrote for each of
us a part of poem or Chinese
saying.

10. We also had Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes.
Those were not only beneficial for our
bodies but also for our souls.

11. Two times we had an opportunity to have a closer look at traditional Chinese cuisine. Once
we were making dumplings (they have the same dough as we use in Poland or Germany,
but completely other fillings) and for the second time we were observing how to make one
of the traditional dishes of Huai’an.

12. We had two meetings with HYIT students. Thanks to this activity we’ve made a lot of Chinese friends. They’ve
organized a lot of integrating games and even the show with girls dressed in traditional Chinese qipao. What’s
more some of us were asked to take part in it too!

14. During our stay in the Institute “Robo Cup” took place. Our tutors made it possible for
us to watch the competition. It was a unique experience and lots of fun.

15. At the begging and end of the course we
participated in the opening and closing ceremonies
which were attended by inter alia the vice president
of Huaiyian Institute of Technology. At the closing
ceremony we received certificates of attendance
and diplomas of being the best in a certain kind of
classes.

16. It was a magnificent experience. We will all miss our
professors, tutors and each other.
I recommend everyone to take part in such an
enriching event!