The two-week “Our Impression of China” summer camp finished successfully in Shanghai University on  July 17, 2012. 18 students from 6 top universities in Turkey joined the camp. The camp is jointly held by Hanban and Confucius Institute at Bogazici University, and undertaken by Shanghai University.

On July 4th, 18 students arrived at Shanghai Pudong airport, full of excitement and happiness despite the long flight. On July 5th, the Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at Bogazici University associate Prof. Miao Fuguang and the Dean of International Communication College at Shanghai University Prof. Yao Ximing attended the opening ceremony and gave short speeches. Prof. Yao said that Turkey and China have a deep historical roots with the silk road connects each other and he sincerely hoped that the students joining this summer camp would make contribution to the future Turkey-China relationship. On the same day, Turkish students and Chinese volunteers got together and talked about their first impression on Shanghai and their purpose for joining the camp. In the following 11 days, the students took up several courses and participated in various activities. These courses and activities were arranged for both intellectual and practical purposes, which include martial art, Chinese songs, lectures on Chinese history/culture/economy, Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese language, and Acrobatics show, as well as Shanghai city tour and trips to Wuxi, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Besides, the camp specially arranged interaction between Turkey students and Chinese volunteers. Both as university students, they freely discussed the similarities and differences between Turkey and China in language, culture and customs. On July 16th, the Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at Bogazici University associate Prof. Miao Fuguang and the secretary of the party committee at International Communication College in Shanghai University Li Jian attended the closing ceremony. In his speech, Secretary Li Jian encouraged the Turkish students to make contribution to Turkey-China relationship and welcomed them to come to China again in the future and learn Chinese culture. After the speech, he issued certificates and T-shirt to all students and took pictures with them..

This summer camp is part of 2012 “Year of China” in Turkey, and also the third summer camp for Turkish university students. In the past three years, about 80 students from over 10 top universities in Turkey have joined the summer camp. Turkish students, as envoys between Turkey and China in cultural communication, have a deep and thorough understanding of China by participating in the summer camp, which will have a deep influence and positive effect on mutual cooperation and communication between Turkey and China in future.

Student immerse themselves in Chinese culture lecture

Students are learning Tai Chi

Group photo under the Oriental Pearl Tower

A show from Turkish students in Turkish-Chinese Students Party

Group photo after the closing ceremony