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UCC Confucius Institute Leads Easter Cultural Exchange Trip to China for Secondary School Students — From Cork to China: Exploring Language, Culture, and Global Perspectives
During the 2025 Easter break, the UCC Confucius Institute successfully organized a two-week cultural exchange trip to China for 18 secondary school students from Cork and surrounding areas, led by UCC Confucius Institute teacher Zhang Shuaishuai. The program offered students an immersive experience in Chinese language and culture, with academic classes at Shanghai University and cultural exploration across the cities of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.
Language Learning: Discovering the Charm of the Chinese Classroom
At Shanghai University, students took part in intensive Chinese language courses, covering everyday communication, cultural knowledge, and basic writing. With vibrant classroom dynamics and engaging teacher-student interaction, the students quickly improved their language skills while gaining deeper insight into the cultural meanings behind Chinese expressions.
Many students expressed that face-to-face learning with local Chinese teachers helped them overcome the anxiety of speaking and inspired them to pursue their language studies with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
Cultural Discovery: Immersing in Chinese Traditions
A highlight of the trip was a series of hands-on cultural workshops arranged by the College of International Education at Shanghai University:
- Tea Culture Workshop: Students learned about different types of Chinese tea, brewing techniques, and tea ceremony etiquette, and later visited the famed Longjing tea plantation in Hangzhou.
- Calligraphy Class: Guided by a calligraphy teacher, students practiced writing meaningful Chinese characters, including their names and the character “福” (fortune), experiencing the meditative beauty of brush and ink.
- Paper Cutting Session: Students explored traditional Chinese aesthetics through the art of paper cutting, turning simple materials into intricate cultural symbols through guided interaction and creativity.
City Excursions: Experiencing the Diversity of Modern and Ancient China
The group also explored key historical and cultural landmarks across Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou:
- In Shanghai, students ascended the Oriental Pearl and Shanghai Tower to admire the city skyline, strolled along the Bund to see colonial-era architecture, and visited the Chenghuang Temple to enjoy traditional market culture.
- In Suzhou, they toured the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden and Panmen Scenic Area, experiencing the refined elegance of Jiangnan-style classical gardens.
- In Hangzhou, they cruised on West Lake and listened to the poetic stories of “Spring Dawn on the Su Causeway,” while also visiting the Yue Fei Temple to learn about China’s legendary heroes.
Culinary Adventures: Discovering China Through Taste
Food was another key part of the experience. From Shanghai's steamed soup dumplings and Hangzhou’s Dragon Well shrimp, to Suzhou’s sweet-and-sour ribs and delicate pastries, students tasted their way through Jiangnan’s regional flavors. Learning to use chopsticks and dining together became a meaningful and delicious window into Chinese life.
A Journey of Growth and Connection
The camp received enthusiastic feedback from students, parents, and partner schools alike. Parents praised the program for providing students with invaluable personal and cultural growth, while schools applauded the UCC Confucius Institute’s thoughtful organization and educational impact.
For the students, this was not just an overseas journey—it was a journey of the heart. They returned with a deeper understanding of China, a stronger passion for learning Chinese, and a broadened view of the world.
The success of this program was made possible by the dedication of lead teacher Zhang Shuaishuai, and the warm hospitality and meticulous planning of Shanghai University and its International Education team.
UCC Confucius Institute remains committed to building bridges between Irish and Chinese youth, helping them grow through mutual understanding and cultural exchange—and empowering the next generation to become true global citizens.
Watch the highlights of the Easter Camp here:
https://youtu.be/PLuSHMahXOs
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