Teachers and students from Toledo Institute of Yanshan University collaborated to organize a vibrant series of cultural activities held at the University of Toledo. These activities ranged from Chinese language teaching to traditional Chinese festival activities as well as an enlightening demonstration of Chinese tea art.These events succeeded in attracting nearly 600 attendees from the University of Toledoas well as the surrounding areas. These activities successfully presented China as a credible, lovable, and respectful nationto our international friends, ultimately enhancing the reputation and influence of Yanshan University (YSU) on theglobal stage. Moreover, these events represented YSU’s significant contribution to China’s efforts in strengthening global communications and capacity-building.
Since the spring semester of 2023, , two student volunteers from YSU, Sun Xueying and Liu Bowenhave been providing Chinese language classes both offline and online at the University of Toledo. Their teaching integrates Chinese knowledge and cultural customs, providing a unique and immersive language and cultural experiences to Chinese learners in the United States. = Speaking Chinese, telling stories of cultural customs, and making traditional handicrafts are three essential parts of the Chinese language class at the University of Toledo. Students learn how to say basic words in Chinese, make self-introduction, describe some simple actions in Chinese, understand traditional Chinese festivals, popular scenic spots and special foods, and make Chinese paper-cuttings, facial makeup, and lanterns. Chinese language learners are all attracted to this ancient and mysterious culture.
Student volunteer Sun Xueying is teaching Chinese to foreign young students
Group photo of student volunteers and Chinese language learners
"Lanterns appear on a night of reunion and family unification". On the eve of the Chinese Lantern Festival, teachers and students of Toledo Institute of Yanshan University held celebrations of the annual Chinese traditional festival at the Student UnionofUT. They offered many interesting activities such as experiencing Chinese traditional handicrafts, tasting Chinese characteristic food, and playing games like ring toss. This event has attracted over 400 people from UT and surrounding areas. Toledo Institute of Yanshan University placed more than ten desks to exhibit the charming ancient culture, where visitors may draw lanterns, write and cut Chinese characters, draw kites, , make sachets, paint facial makeup, and put on Hanfu (Han-style clothing). This event not only made the participants get to know traditional Chinese culture, but also embrace them with humanistic feelings from the time-honored Oriental country. Our foreign friends said that this activity has enabled them to better understand Chinese culture and customs. and They appreciate the efforts made by the YSU, an institution located on the opposite side of the Ocean, who builds connections and commonalities between two different cultures.
YSU’s teacher Wu Qi arranges the booths for 2023 Spring Festival Carnival in UT
American students wear Hanfu to experience Chinese culture
Student volunteer Liu Bowen presents Chinese tea culture
"Drinking tea while conversing with friends, appreciating flowers while discussing life". Chineses tea represents more than just a drink, it also serves as an icon of China’s rich cultural heritage and its philosophy of respecting Confucianism, coexisting with the nature, and embracing tranquility, serenity and perseverance in the pursuit of success. Invited by the Second Language Acquisition and Education Center ofUT, teachers and students of Toledo Institute of Yanshan University participated in the Intercultural Tea Ceremony. People learned how to observe the tea color, smell the aroma, taste the flavor, and appreciate the tea ceremony.Those magical leaves from the Oriental world were warmly welcomed by oversea friends. American participants not only experienced the charm of tea, but also made friends with our Chinese teachers and students.
Student volunteers introduce Chinese tea culture to foreign friends
Intercultural Tea CeremonyThe University of Toledo in the United States is a friendly partner with YSU., The friendship and communication between the two universities date back to 37 years ago. The "Toledo Institute of Yanshan University" represents the first overseas educational institution established by YSU in North America. which plays a role in The institute has been designed to facilitate teacher and student exchanges, cultural exploration, and joint enrollment and training programs between the two universities. This new cooperative institution has been established through multiple rounds of consultations based on years of close cooperation, marking a significant milestone in deep cooperation between the two universities. Furthermore, the institute represents a positive exploration of a new model of people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States. Toledo Institute of Yanshan University will continue to deepen the cooperation and strengthen the ties between the two universities and two sister cities, Qinhuangdao and Toledo.
