Exchanges & Visits
China 2003
Mandarin Immersion Programme: Bejing
We stepped off the plane blurry eyed, bushy tailed, excited to be at the end of our long haul flight, but the beginning of our three week stay in Beijing. The heat was dry, a welcome difference to the July rains we had left behind in London. All our hard work over the previous months had paid off, and we were thankful to the British Council and Our Lady's for giving us the opportunity for this once in a lifetime trip. Outside the airport we hopped onto our bus and headed off to what was to be our home for the next three weeks.
The rooms at the Central University of Nationalities were spacious, light, airy and soon filled with our possessions as we were eager to get the trip underway. The beds posed as a tempting offer to relieve our tired eyes, but lunch beckoned. As we made our way down to the dinner hall we had time to appreciate that we would have to accustom ourselves to our busy surroundings as well as our difference in culture but this did not faze us. Being used to anglicised Chinese food, the array of dishes was plentiful in variety but not what we were expecting.
Over the next few weeks we began to establish a routine, lessons in the morning, trips in the afternoon and 'recreation' in the evenings. Our lessons were three hours long, Monday to Saturday and consisted of pronunciation, calligraphy and interaction. At first the thought of three hours seemed daunting, but we were aware that learning took dedication, and dedication we did not lack. Even we were surprised by how knowledgeable we had become in Mandarin, when interacting with everyday people they too were impresses by our ability to communicate with them.
It was only right, that China being steeped in history and culture that we visit some of the well-known attractions such as the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Among them the famous Great Wall of China. Far away in the steep mountains the Great Wall looked less challenging to us native tourists. Once upon the wall we realised that it would be close to a challenge and not far from a struggle. But with perseverance and determination we succeeded; something few people ever will. We enjoyed cultural activities such as a visit to the Beijing Opera and the aerobatics show, as well as physical activities including learning Kung Fu. We were also happy to be able to give something back by donating £250 of our fundraising money to a Chinese charity that helps children with special needs and their families.
Tian Laoshi, our Mandarin teacher not only taught us language, but culture, history and greater understanding of the society around us. The knowledge she installed in us, not only applied to life in China, but also gave us a deeper respect for other cultures and a willingness to recognise differences in ways of life. We are certain that taking part in the course has broadened our minds and given us a different outlook on life. It is a memory that will stay with us forever.
By Giuseppina Cozzi
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