Travelling in the Middle Kingdom: Students Immerse Themselves in Chinese Language and Culture

Late afternoon on the campus of the South China University of Technology: students cut patterns into paper under red lanterns while others practise Chinese characters. A moment of concentration that for many captures the spirit of their journey - open, curious and characterised by a desire to understand.

15 THI Business School students studying Chinese as a foreign language travelled through China for a fortnight in mid-April. Sponsored by the Audi Confucius Institute Ingolstadt and accompanied by language lecturer Jing Chen, their stay began in Guangzhou. There they received language lessons tailored to their beginner level - practical and customised to everyday situations.

But learning meant much more: in workshops, the participants learnt about Chinese craftsmanship, practised calligraphy, embroidery, Taiji movements and traditional musical instruments. The programme also included an insight into the healing methods of Chinese medicine, such as Tuina massage and acupuncture.

‘Such experiences create real bridges between cultures,’ says Professor Peter Augsdörfer, Chairman of the Audi Confucius Institute. ‘Encounters with the language, people, and traditions on site leave a lasting impression - that's living cultural exchange.’

Another highlight was the stay in Beijing with visits to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. On 9 May, the students were finally welcomed at the Chinese Consulate General in Munich. Education Consul Congbing Wang gave them a guided tour of the premises for over an hour and moderated a discussion in the garden in which the group reflected on their impressions.

As a farewell gift, the consulate presented them with small gifts - mementos of a trip that was more than just an excursion: a real immersion in the diversity of Chinese culture.