It is the first long vacation for the 2022 international students of the College, which is from July to August 2023. In order to enrich the holiday life of students, the ASEAN International School organized a summer social practice activity for all international students. The activity consists of three stages: free visit, collective activities, and cultural works creation, allowing the students to have a satisfying vacation.
1. Free travel, experiencing the wonderful integration of high-speed development and traditional culture
From July 11 to 15, 2023, Lemuel Karl and Farrel Kurt, two brothers from Indonesia, boarded the plane to Chongqing as planned just after the exam. They couldn't wait to see the "mountain city" that they had seen only on the Internet before. During a few days of sightseeing, they saw many magical things, such as trains passing through high-rise buildings, neighborhoods developing along stairs, seemingly endless hot pot restaurants, and some unique building appearances. In this metropolis that has developed among the towering mountains and steep ridges, the people have used their wisdom and hard work to make "climbing hills and ridges" unique and interesting, creating a beautiful urban business card. In Ciqikou Ancient Town, many traditional buildings and cultural heritage are preserved, and ancient handicraft shops and tea houses are telling the story of Chongqing.
Indonesian students LEMUEL KARL and FARREL KURT visited Chongqing
PASCOAL DE DEUS SOARES from East Timor followed his Chinese classmates to Rongshui Town, Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Liuzhou City. Here, he was warmly welcomed by his classmates and family, experiencing the life of ordinary Chinese families, and truly feeling that China's rapid development has benefited every family.
East Timor student PASCOAL DE DEUS SOARES visited Rongshui County
2. Collective visits to explore the mysteries of rapid rural development in China
On July 25, 2023, the College organized all international students to visit Zhongliang Village in Xixiangtang District, Nanning City. Starting from College, it takes about an hour to arrive at the destination. The convenient transportation, beautiful residential areas, and beautiful rural environment make international students marvel at the development of rural China. Here, students visited the Agricultural Culture Exhibition Hall and gained a brief understanding of the development of Chinese agriculture and the inheritance of rural customs; Entering the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Ancient Architecture Inheritance Base, I visited Teacher Zhou, the inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to understand the characteristics and cultural inheritance of ancient dwellings of various ethnic groups in Guangxi, and felt the charm of ancient architectural culture. Here, Teacher Zhou not only promotes the culture of ancient architecture, but also trains the local idle labor force to become craftsmen, making miniature exhibits of "ancient architecture" for sale, and increasing the income of local farmers. NHUN VENG from Cambodia said that this model is too good. Farmers can earn more money and improve their lives without leaving their hometowns. The teacher also introduced to the students the rural revitalization strategy currently being implemented in China, which involves the development of various industries in rural areas and the participation of villagers, continuously improving the conditions in rural areas. In the future, China's rural areas will definitely be better.
International students took a group photo with inheritor Ms.Zhou at the Ancient Architecture Inheritance Base
Teacher Yan Li introduced traditional Chinese solar terms to international students at the Agricultural Culture Exhibition Hall
Teacher and international students took a group photo at the Agricultural Culture Exhibition Hall
International students picked yellow peel fruits with villagers in Zhongliang Village
3. Cultural creation and appreciation of the beauty of traditional Chinese culture
The College encouraged some international students to participate the competition held by China-ASEAN Transport TVET Alliance. The students chose Chinese painting, paper Cuttings and ancient building model respectively according to their social practice and interests. The students chose plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, which are known as the "Four Gentlemen", as the objects of Chinese painting creation; The Paper Cuttings works integrate the symbolic pattern of the country where the overseas students live into the bronze drum element with Guangxi Zhuang characteristics, and wish the friendship between China and ASEAN will last forever; The ancient architectural model chose the Zhuang ethnic group's "pole style" architecture, incorporating Zhuang brocade elements, reflecting inheritance and innovation. Before the official production of the work, students should strengthen their practice and be fully prepared; During the creative process, members collaborated and worked together, and ultimately, under the guidance of the teacher, successfully completed three works. Ting LOVAXAY from Laos participated in the creation of the Paper Cuttings work Drum Melody ASEAN. She said that what we experienced this time was the "carving Paper Cuttings" in the Paper Cuttings technique. From choosing patterns, drawing sketches to engraving, it took a lot of time and hard work, but I am happy and I like this traditional culture very much.
Painting "Four Gentlemen"
Paper cutting "Drum Rhyme ASEAN"
Model "Splendid Zhuang Ethnic Residence"
This summer social practice activity not only provided international students with a fulfilling and meaningful summer vacation, but also enhanced their awareness and understanding of China and Chinese culture. Through personal participation and experience, they have felt the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture, deeply appreciated the beauty of China's high-quality development, and enhanced their confidence and motivation to continue to strive to learn Chinese well and master vocational skills. They stated that they will share their observations and experiences in China, Nanning, and Guangxi Vocational College with their family and friends, striving to become cultural ambassadors of friendship between China and their own country.
