The Summer Camp of Finnish Confucius Institute at the University of Helsinki Concludes

On July 18th, a 40 person delegation led by Li Yuanzheng, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Helsinki, left for Changsha in Hunan province to watch the final competition for the 9th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students.

During the evening, the Division of International Exchanges of Hunan Provincial Education Administration welcomed the Finnish delegation. Relevant officials explained the current situation in regards to the economy, cultural exchanges, urban renovation, environmental construction in Hunan province and gave some information about the 9th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students to the delegation.They also granted video materials in the 7th and 8th competition to camp members and encouraged camp members to experience the culture, scenery, food and history of China in Changsha. Director Gao Ge, on behalf of the Confuicus Institute, expressed appreciation to Hunan provincial education administration for offering this opportunity and expressed the hope that the two sides would take this opportunity to boost the cooperation in regards to the promotion of Chinese language and culture.

Camp members taking group photo with Mr. Shu, Director of the Hunan Provincial Education Administration

Camp member having a Chinese class on the grass

Camp members were quite excited about watching the Chinese Bridge competition, for the first time they got in touch with the contestants and got to better know their Chinese proficiency. The activity has deepened their understanding of the charm of Chinese culture.

At the end of the camp, camp members said that the activity has let them experienced the immense changes in China and the profoundness of Chinese culture, raised their interest in Chinese and boosted their confidence. They all became good friends and were reluctant to part.

(contributed by Li Yuanzheng, Director of the Confucius Institute

at the University of Helsinki)