Summer Camp of the Confucius Institute in the University of West Florida Officially Opens in SISU

On the morning of May 18^th, 2015, the SISU Summer Camp of the Confucius Institute in the University of West Florida kicked off officially in our university’s International StudentsDepartment. Li Keyong, the President of SISU, Zhang Youbin, the dean on the Chinese side of Confucius Institute in the University of West Florida, Zhang Zemin, the director of International Students Department, Shen Xiaowu, the deputy director, and all teachers and students attended the opening ceremony. In his welcome speech, President Li Keyong shared the foundation history of the Confucius Institute in the University of West Florida, reviewed the history of Chongqing as the wartime capital and introduced the development of SISU since its establishment. He said, at the moment of the first anniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute in the University of West Florida and the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. This camp not only provide students with a good opportunity to improve their Chinese and experience Chinese culture, but also contribute to the exchange and cooperation of the two universities and the mutual understanding between Chinese and American youths. At last, he wishes all students can learn from this camp and welcome them to study and work in SISU one day to make contribution to the enhancement of Sino-US friendship. Todd Matthew James and Morris Ethan Clay, students of the Confucius Institute in the University of West Florida thanked SISU for the warm reception and thoughtful arrangements on behalf of all members. They also said they would cherish this opportunity to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture in many aspects. Before coming to Chongqing, all members of the camp visited the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing and some scenic spots like the Imperial Palace and the Great Wall. All of them will learn Chinese and Chinese arts such as drawing and paper-cutting in our school. Series of cultural activities will be held in Chongqing and Chengdu so that they can experience Bayu culture and Chinese people’s daily life.