Between July 8th and July 18th, 2013, Jiangsu University, along with Austria’s Graz University Confucius Institute organized “Chinese Bridge” summer camp. 20 Austrian middle school students came to China in a dream to be fulfilled, a dream to explore China and Chinese culture. Their journey left them with a wonderful experience and feel of China’s charm after visiting China, Zhenjiang and Jiangsu University.

    Visit to China began with a tour in the historical city, Beijing. The students found that the city remains an epicenter of tradition with the treasures of nearly 2,000 years as the imperial capital still on view—in the famed Forbidden City, The temple of heaven, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and in the city's lush pavilions and gardens. The constructions such as the Bird’s nest, Water cube etc., have amused them in regard with modern culture of the country.

    On July 13th, they reached Zhenjiang City and were welcomed by the Overseas Education College of Jiangsu University (OEC-JU) with a great essence of authentic Chinese culture. Adding to their excitement, OEC-JU kick started a series of cultural activities. They learned to make dough modellings, Chinese style paper cutting which thrilled them by seeing Chinese culture from their own hands. On that evening, they were guided by OEC-JU teachers to make dumplings and tasted their handmade Chinese food.

    Soon OEC-JU grabbed a chance to introduce the culture and history of Zhenjiang city. On 14th and 15 of July, OEC-JU made arrangements for the Austrian middle school students to visit Zhenjiang Vinegar museum and tasted vinegar; took walks in the ancient Xi Jin Ferry Street; explored historical relics at Zhenjiang Museum; visited Pearl S. buck memorial to know about Pear S. Buck, a culture ambassador and finally at Folk Art Museum they had the make-up and costumes to sing opera. Profound culture and heritage of Zhenjiang made them get more attracted towards Chinese culture. In a limited duration of 2 days, they have experienced the most out of China’s and Zhenjiang’s amorous feelings.

    Another main purpose of the summer camp is to experience to learn authentic Chinese. OEC-JU came up with an idea of “learn Chinese happily”. Chinese language classes were organized and the teachers used Concise and efficient ways to teach them. Their teaching expertise had let the students not be shy and had them participate actively in the language interaction. In just 3 days, the students have noticed a great improvement in their Chinese language proficiency. With the best results as outcome, the students say “We love Chinese language”.

    On the evening of July 15th, Jiangsu University organized a commencement and farewell party. The teachers and students from Austria showed their language talents learned in past 3 days. The leaders, teachers and volunteers of Jiangsu University, International Office-JU, and OEC-JU expressed their sincere gratitude on this occasion. Everyone sang and danced joyously. They laughter and cheerful voices will forever be their wonderful memory.

    July 16th, was when the Austrian students of the summer camp left Jiangsu University reluctantly. Between 17 and 19th July, they travelled in Shanghai, the financial center and fashion capital of China. During the trip, they visited Shanghai’s Old town, and shopped at Nanjing road, visited the city god temple and took a night cruise on the Huangpu River. It is interesting to note that they don't forget to show their Chinese language proficiency, bold enough to speak it after just learning for a few days and started to communicate with people. Their youthful and beautiful appearance and lively personality is in the eyes of every visitor.

    Becoming a brilliant chapter in communication between China and Austria, this summer camp is an unforgettable memory for both Jiangsu University and University of Graz. It became a new interpretation to “A world that communicates in Chinese”. Following is a collection of reports on the summer camp from various newspaper sources.