Confucius Institute Hosts the Premiere of the 2024 Me & China Photo Show
Release Time: 2024-11-21Views:
On 19 November 2024, the Confucius Institute at De Montfort University (DMU-CI) proudly hosted the premiere of the Me & China Photo Show, featuring highlights from the 2024 Chinese Bridge Summer Camp in China. Jointly organized by the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) and DMU, the exhibition celebrated the camp’s cultural and educational achievements, marking another milestone in the partnership between the two universities.
Presented through a vibrant photo wall and an engaging sharing session, the event captured the transformative experiences of the participating students and underscored the power of cultural exchange.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on the Camp
The event began at 2 PM, with DMU students and faculty gathering in anticipation. CI’s volunteer teacher Miss Rumeng Zhang hosted the session, setting a warm and cheerful tone with her light-hearted introduction.
DMU-CI Co-Director Wei Gu took the stage to share heartfelt reflections on the camp, highlighting the students’ enthusiastic participation and the program’s success in fostering mutual understanding. Her remarks, sprinkled with humour and gratitude, drew smiles and applause from the audience.
The summer camp’s trip lead Mr. Kevin Holdaway followed with detailed recollections of the camp. He commended the students’ exceptional engagement and thanked USTB for its efforts in facilitating this cultural journey. “This was more than a language-learning experience; it was a cultural odyssey,” he noted, emphasizing the profound impact of the trip on participants.
Captivating Stories from the Camp
One of the event’s highlights was a sharing session led by the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp participants. Through vivid stories and photos, they relived their memorable adventures in Beijing.
From climbing the Great Wall to savouring authentic hotpot, the students shared diverse experiences that showcased both the grandeur and everyday charm of China. Some admired the traditional alleys of Nanluoguxiang, while others were captivated by the vibrant hutong markets. Each story—be it about mastering chopsticks, bonding with USTB students, or conquering the Great Wall—was met with laughter, nods of recognition, and enthusiastic applause from the audience. The summer camp’s trip lead, CI Event Lead Jieli Liu, concluded the event with a heartfelt wish for all the students: a future as bright as Beijing’s glowing red lanterns and as smooth as the journey on a high-speed train to Shanghai. Her words brought the room to life with cheers and applause.
A Celebration of Cultural Exchange
The event concluded with a relaxed afternoon tea, where attendees continued to exchange reflections on the camp. Topics ranged from cultural differences and travel anecdotes to newfound appreciation for China’s rich history and traditions. The atmosphere was one of companionship and shared joy, as participants forged deeper connections over their shared experiences.
A group photo marked the end of the event, symbolizing the success of this cultural exchange initiative and the growing partnership between DMU and USTB.
Looking Ahead
The Me & China Photo Show was not just a celebration of memories but a testament to the strong collaboration between USTB and DMU. As both institutions look to the future, they remain committed to expanding opportunities for cultural exchange and writing new chapters in their shared journey of mutual understanding.
Drafting by Qi YI
Revised by Jieli LIU and Wei GU
