Wenhua College Takes You Around the World - A Review of Overseas Programs During the 2024 Winter Break
To enrich talent cultivation models, broaden the international horizons of teachers and students, and enhance the university's international atmosphere, Wenhua College organized a diverse range of overseas programs during the 2024 winter break. Seven students from different parts of the country and with varying academic backgrounds participated in five project groups, visiting the Palais des Nations of the United Nations, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, experiencing Japanese tea ceremonies, and exploring the artistic halls of Italy. These students delved into global classrooms, engaged in face-to-face exchanges with masters, explored the cultures and histories of prestigious universities and corporations, and broadened their horizons while enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills.
A Wonderful Recap:
(1) The Chinese University of Hong Kong:
Striving Forward with Awareness of Inadequacy, Marching Ahead with Vision of Distant Mountains – Lin Xiaoxuan, Class of 2022, Major in Chinese Language and Literature
During the week-long study visit, I attended lectures by professors from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and visited places such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum, art galleries, and exhibition halls. In the class "The Science and Art of Influence," we experienced a relaxed classroom atmosphere where teachers and students communicated and discussed issues together, learning from each other. The teacher listed six factors that influence people's daily behavior during the lecture and used video experiments to help us deepen our understanding. While attending lectures by CUHK professors, I was deeply impressed by their knowledge and teaching styles. Their depth and breadth across different disciplines sparked my desire for knowledge. The professors guided us to explore academic frontiers, stimulating my thoughts. This valuable academic knowledge will serve as a precious resource for my future studies and research. My learning experience at CUHK also exposed me to two different teaching styles: interactive discussion and lecture-based, and the English-language instruction improved my English proficiency.
The visit to CUHK also left a deep impression on me. The vibrant campus atmosphere and the free exchange of learning among students made me yearn for higher education. The abundant greenery on campus provided a natural source of oxygen, making studies more invigorating. Additionally, the various exhibition halls allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong's history and culture. The exhibition halls and museums showcased Hong Kong's multiculturalism, letting me appreciate the city's rich historical heritage and diverse cultural landscape. The coexistence of old and new at the Nan Fung Textile Mills allowed me to personally perceive history, and the collision and integration of history and modernity enabled visitors to better understand the changes of time and the continuity of history. In future studies, I will actively communicate with teachers and classmates, try to express my views, and attempt to integrate and apply the knowledge I learned at CUHK in my daily life.
(2) The United Nations
From Geneva to Paris: Exploring the Intersection of UN Wisdom – Lu Mengheng, Class of 2022, Major in Finance
During the winter break of 2024, with enthusiasm and curiosity for the unknown world, I embarked on the journey of the "UN Headquarters International Organization Talent Cultivation Program." This trip was not just a simple experience of foreign customs and culture but a profound combination of international thinking and practice. Every day at the UN, I felt like I was at a global wisdom intersection, experiencing how people from different cultures and backgrounds contribute wisdom and strength to the world together.
The first stop in Switzerland was the heavily guarded UN headquarters, the Palais des Nations. Under the guidance of staff, we went to a conference room with our nameplates for a welcome ceremony for the UN program. During the project orientation, the teacher introduced the history of the UN, its main components, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), etc. To further understand the UN, staff led us on a tour of the entire Palais des Nations, from the League of Nations Building to the UN Building, allowing everyone to appreciate the unique charm of Geneva as the headquarters of multiple international and non-governmental organizations. Here, each country and organization represents its own interests and positions, but on this platform, they also strive to seek consensus for the common interests of the globe. This balance of diversity and unity made me deeply feel the important role of international organizations in promoting international exchange and cooperation.
Over the next ten days, we also visited important international organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Here, teachers explained the daily work, functions, and roles of each international organization in the international community. This made me deeply realize that meteorology, intellectual property, and trade are not just disciplines but also critical areas related to human survival and development. Besides visiting international organizations, we also attended expert lectures on negotiation skills, public speaking, and the SDGs. The intense input of knowledge enabled me to efficiently enhance my understanding of the UN and personal communication skills in just fourteen days.
The most impressive activity was the practical training course on the SDGs. The teacher cleverly integrated complex issues of sustainable development into an enlightening game. This game subtly simulated various decision-making dilemmas in the real world. We were divided into groups representing different social groups – some focused on economic development, some advocated for environmental protection, and others were dedicated to maintaining social order. In the first stage of the game, we witnessed society's狂热 pursuit of economic growth. With continuous investment, economic construction achieved remarkable achievements, but at the same time, the environment suffered severe damage, and social order began to collapse amid widening income disparities. In the second stage, when economic development reached a certain level, we attempted to compensate for previous mistakes by investing in environmental protection and social welfare. However, the game cruelly told us that once the social structure is problematic, even with abundant resources, it is difficult to turn the situation around in a short time. Through this game, we not only experienced the entire process of world development but also gained a deeper understanding of China's ecological philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." This practical training not only made us realize the importance of long-term consideration but also taught us how to better protect the environment, maintain social order, and achieve true sustainable development while pursuing economic development.
Besides intense and enriching learning tasks, this trip to Switzerland and Paris also incorporated many fun cultural visits and tours. We deeply explored the University of Geneva, feeling the rigor and freedom of academics; at the International Committee of the Red Cross Museum, we deeply appreciated the severe disasters caused by war to people and cherished the value of peace even more. The visit to the Olympic Museum not only showcased the immense power of the sporting spirit but also sent sincere blessings for the Olympics to be held in Paris in 2024. Additionally, we toured famous cultural landmarks such as the Louvre, the Paris Opera House, and the Musée d'Orsay, appreciating the splendor and sophistication of French art. Each location had its unique characteristics, allowing us to enjoy cultural nurturing and spiritual baptism while learning.
This journey of the "UN Headquarters International Organization Talent Cultivation Program" was very rewarding for me. I not only deeply understood the operation and impact of international organizations but also experienced the local customs and natural scenery of Geneva and Paris. I am grateful to the staff of the UN project for their meticulous guidance and help, enabling me to better integrate and understand the operational mechanisms of international organizations. I also want to sincerely thank the International Office of our school for providing such a valuable learning opportunity, allowing me to broaden my horizons and increase my knowledge.
(3) Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma, Italy
From Rome to Vatican City: A Journey Through European Culture - Zou Xinyi, Digital Media, 2023 Intake
During the winter break of 2024, I embarked on an unforgettable study tour, traversing between the two charming countries of Italy and Finland. This journey, like a fantastic adventure through time and space, was incredibly enriching and left me with deep impressions.
Arrival in Italy: As soon as I stepped off the plane, the streets of Rome greeted me. Unlike China, there were few towering residential buildings here. The buildings were painted in bright colors, harmonizing beautifully with the sunlight. Our accompanying teacher introduced that Rome boasts many ancient architectural structures with a history spanning thousands of years. Driving on the roads felt like entering a time tunnel, guiding us through millennia of history. Ancient buildings, the magnificent Colosseum, and the solemn Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano all exuded a strong historical atmosphere.
I was fortunate to attend classes at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma with fellow art students. My experience at the academy was full of challenges and rewards. As a prestigious art institution with a long history, the Accademia provided a platform for students to deeply explore art, unleash creativity, and enhance professional skills.
During my studies at the Accademia, I was exposed to various majors such as printmaking, sculpture, stage design, and photography.
In the printmaking class, the professor explained the production process of printmaking and different painting techniques, including etching, ink printing, and secondary processing of photographs. In the sculpture class, the professor introduced different types of clay and ceramic tools and allowed us to practice hands-on. I sculpted a ceramic cup that I brought home. The stage design class covered stage lighting and character development. The academy emphasized the integration of theory and practice, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of art through practical operations. For the photography class, we were free to photograph the Colosseum, with the professor explaining each shot. Besides professional course learning, the Accademia also provided students with abundant art resources and exchange opportunities. The academy had multiple art studios and laboratories for students to create and research. Additionally, we communicated with Chinese international students studying locally and gained much from these interactions. Walking through the streets of Rome, making wishes at the Trevi Fountain, and conversing with enthusiastic locals made me reluctant to leave.
Vatican City: In the second week, I visited the world's smallest country, Vatican City, surrounded by Italy and comprising churches and the Vatican Museums. I first visited the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano, a place full of mystery and solemnity. Upon entering, I was awestruck by its grandeur. It felt like entering a huge historical museum, with every corner filled with stories and legends. The murals, sculptures, and stained-glass windows seemed like witnesses to history, silently narrating past glories. Under the vast dome, exquisite murals and sculptures amazed me, each making me marvel at the greatness and wisdom of ancient Roman artists. I could almost feel the artists' efforts and sweat, with every stroke filled with reverence and faith for the deities. Words cannot fully express my awe. Finally, standing in the square of the basilica, watching the believers and tourists coming and going, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence. This place is not only a religious sanctuary but also a bridge connecting the past and the present, allowing people to experience purification and sublimation of the soul. In the Vatican Museums, I saw Michelangelo's original "The Creation of Adam" painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The entire roof is 36.54 meters long and 13.14 meters wide, with a total painting area close to 600 square meters, depicting 343 male and female figures distributed across the ceiling and walls between the pillars. These figures are lifelike, as if stepping out of the painting to converse with me face-to-face. Appreciating this work deeply shocks and baptizes the soul.
Finland: Subsequently, we embarked on a journey to Finland. This Nordic country offers a refreshing and serene feeling, unlike Rome. In Finland, we stayed in snow cabins with locals, visited Santa Claus's hometown, rode snowmobiles, went dog sledding, stayed up late to chase the aurora borealis, and experienced the magic and beauty of the icy world. In Finnish countryside towns, we communicated with locals and learned about their lifestyle and cultural customs. Life there is slow-paced, with people enjoying the tranquility and beauty nature provides.
This study tour allowed me to gain professional knowledge while experiencing the customs and cultures of different countries, broadening my horizons and insights. I learned how to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds, how to respect and appreciate different cultural customs. At the same time, I also recognized my shortcomings and cherished everything around me more.
By launching various short-term exchange and study programs, our school officially sounded the horn for the 2024 "Going Out" series of international exchange activities for Wenhua students. In 2024, more short-term and credit programs await students to explore and experience: United Nations International Organizations Talent Cultivation and Foreign Teacher Management Program (Eight-Country Base), Cambridge/Oxford in the UK, Harvard/MIT in the USA, National University of Singapore/Nanyang Technological University, Waseda University/The University of Tokyo, The University of Hong Kong/The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Macao University of Science and Technology, and more. Welcome interested students to consult the International Office of our school.
