Source: Office of International Cooperation & Exchange
Written by: Office of International Cooperation & Exchange
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On October 27, 2015, a group of Sun Yat-sen University international students participated in a cultural exchange with a class from the Sun Yat-sen University Affiliated Middle School. Four international students and one international staff member participated in the event, which included games, songs, and presentations. “After the success of the recent cultural exchange trip to Jiangkou High School in Zhaoqing City, it seemed natural to conduct a similar activity in our Affiliated Middle School,” said Wu Xiaoyan, director of the Office for International Students’ Affairs (ISO). Upon arrival, the energy and excitement in the classroom were palpable for the international group. “BIENVENIDOS CULTURAL EXCHANGE” was written on the blackboard in an elaborate and multi-colored sign.

The activity kicked off with a warmup game of charades organized by Ivan McNally and Naomi Lounsbury, both American students in the School of Chinese as a Second Language. The kids enacted a variety of actions and roles, from flying like Superman to swinging an imaginary baseball bat. Next, international staff member Ian Heuer took to the stage to engage the class with some simple German conversation and songs. The class has been studying the language as an elective. The activity then shifted to presentations from Miguel Contreras and Nubia Cano, two students from Mexico. Miguel talked about Mexico and introduced examples of Mexican cuisine. Nubia followed with a simple Spanish language lesson. Both Miguel and Nubia, Confucius Institutes Scholarship holders, are currently studying their Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language; their friendliness and authoritative demeanor helped them create an immediate rapport with the students.

After the presentations were finished, the class’s teacher offered his heartfelt thanks to the international visitors. The visitors were given small gifts and notes that the students had prepared for them, and students, visitors, teachers, and parents alike gathered for a large group photo. The event was another successful exchange, appreciated by all parties for the exposure it gave them to new cultures and backgrounds. “I often see Chinese middle school students in our campus, but it was so interesting for me to actually be in their classroom and see how they study,” said Ian. “I felt like the students were really excited to get a chance to talk to people from different countries. I hope we get the chance to have another exchange soon.”