Since 2017, Temple University, now through its Center for Chinese Language Instruction (CCLI), has been collaborating with one of its oldest partners, Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU), to bring Temple students to ZJNU’s campus in Zhejiang Province each summer.
In 2024, this two-week Chinese Bridge program resumed for the first time since a break that began in 2019 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This exchange aims to build mutual understanding and partnership between the citizens of these two nations.
The trip began with a whirlwind of activity in Shanghai. From there students travelled to other cities and towns, including Hangzhou, Quzhou, Suichang, Jinhua and Beijing. Students got to take in the rich historical significance of Shanghai’s Yu Gardens, Hangzhou’s beautiful West Lake, and Quzhou’s Southern Confucian Ancestral Temple.
In rural Suichang, locals welcomed students with traditional dance and music showcasing the area’s cultural heritage. And in cosmopolitan Beijing, the students toured the Olympic Village and visited the nation’s most iconic landmark, the Great Wall of China.
The group delved deeper into Chinese cultural heritage at the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall and at heritage sites in Quzhou. These sites commemorate and honor the historic collaboration between the United States and China during their common struggle against Imperial Japan in World War II. The Raid is named after Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle, who led an operation on Tokyo in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Following the raid, most of the crew reached China and found shelter among Chinese civilians and soldiers. Today, China takes this partnership between our two nations very seriously, honoring it deeply.
“Seeing a different way of life and culture than my own helped me zoom out on my own life and reflect on what could change.”
– Norah Gilbert, TYL ’26
Not all the trip’s cultural events were historical in nature. Throughout the multiple days spent in Jinhua, where ZJNU is located, students got a perspective on modern China by touring Leapmotor’s assembly line for electric cars, Hengdian World Studios (headquarters of China’s film industry), and the Yiwu International Trade City.
Throughout, ZJNU’s hospitality was unmatched. Students participated in several events that allowed them to mingle with and get to know local students. Through these exchanges, Temple students learned about local customs and were able to try out traditional Chinese paper cutting and fan making.
“Seeing a different way of life and culture than my own helped me zoom out on my own life and reflect on what could change,” said Tyler ’26 student, Norah Gilbert.
Along with mingling with their counterparts at ZJNU, the Temple students visited both an elementary school and a high school in the rural county of Suichang. At both these locations, Chinese students eager to communicate with foreigners and practice their English, welcomed the Temple group.
At the elementary school, the schoolchildren shared beautiful creations from their art classes and challenged the Temple students to a game of basketball, which the elementary school students resoundingly won. Several Temple students remarked that these activities were the highlights of their trip.
“The kids were so talented in arts, music and basketball. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. They were so cute when they wanted pictures with us and to practice their English,” said Tyler ’25 student, Grace Drewicz.
Overall, from the perspective of the Temple students, the staff and Temple’s hosts, the 2024 summer program was a success. During the closing ceremony, ZJNU officials thanked Temple students and staff, and expressed their eagerness for the 2025 trip.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the trip, students must be full-time, degree-seeking students in good standing with the university and have never been to China before. Accommodation, in-country transportation, admission tickets to museums and attractions, and three meals a day are all covered. Students pay only for their airfare and visa fees. No Chinese language experience is necessary. If you are interested in this program, please email us at ccli@temple.edu.
By Stephen G. Hesson, Global Engagement marketing manager and
co-chaperone for the 2024 Chinese Bridge Summer Program
Photos provided by ZJNU