孔院前线 ｜ 科克孔院上海暑期研修团圆满结营

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Hello, my name is Marius, I am an undergraduate student in UCC in Ireland. During those four weeks, I had many unforgettable experiences that I would like to impart with you. I had my fair share of hardships at the beginning of the trip trying to understand how everything worked and what were the common customs in Shanghai. After a few days trying to make Chinese people understand what I wanted for dinner, I was offered the opportunity to experience a famous acrobatic show. Between enjoyment, amazement and sometimes worry for the safety of  the crew, I went through so many emotions during this spectacle. I also went to the famous Pearl Tower and its breathtaking view, as well as its glass floor. Seeing the city from up there was truly impressive! ......During the stay in Shanghai University, I was also given a few cultural classes on the country. I could try famous Chinese artistic activity like painting (in a traditional Chinese style of course), Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting. All of those, trips and cultural classes were truly insightful and very interesting activities that really enjoyed experience with my other Irish fellows. This trip was a cluster of so many emotions and wonders and I am delighted that I had the luck to take part in it.

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During the time I spent at the SHU Summer Camp I learned so much. As a Transition Year student I really learned about college life and learned to live independently. Sometimes classes were tough and I didn’t always understand but I still learned a myriad of phrases and vocabulary. The friendships I made there will last me a lifetime. The experience and the friendships I gained were truly immeasurably priceless. I would give anything to go back, every single day was nearly picture perfect.

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The 4 week programme in Shanghai put me out of my comfort zone but I feel handled it well. I had little Chinese when coming but feel that I did improve while I am here. The people there were very nice. I obviously had a lot of people talking to me in mandarin since I look it so it was hard at the beginning but I learned some responses.

4

My first half of this years Shanghai trip has been an incredible experience to say the least. It was my first time outside of Europe and I was truly out of my comfort zone but with helpful guidance and friendly people I soon became comfortable in my new environment. Through these past weeks I have felt nothing but grateful for this opportunity to learn Chinese and Chinese culture, make new friendships and develop a further sense of independence. Meeting so many new people and improving my Chinese in real life scenarios has grown my confidence so much. Each day is filled with new activities allowing me to learn more and more about both Chinese culture and language. Although this trip is short I have no doubt that I am making memories I will always remember and making friends I will never forget. This experience has been so eye opening and I can confidently say I will continue to strive to improve my Chinese in hopes to come back and further feed my love for Chinese culture and traditions. Although the thought of leaving saddens me I am so happy that I have come so far and enjoyed every moment of it.

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