OU Students Embark on an Unforgettable "Understanding China" Summer Camp Experience

On 30 July 2026, 11 students from the Online Confucius Institute (OCI) at The Open University joined 140 participants from Confucius Institutes across eight countries for the 2026 "Chinese Bridge: Understanding China" Summer Camp. The 14-day programme, funded by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, organised by the Confucius Institute Office at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and hosted by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, gave students a unique opportunity to experience contemporary China first-hand.

Accompanied by the OCI's Chinese Director, the OU delegation took part in an immersive programme combining language learning, cultural discovery, and international exchange. From the outset, participants became part of a vibrant global community, creating a truly intercultural learning experience.

The summer camp featured a diverse programme designed to deepen understanding of Chinese language and culture. Language classes helped students develop their communication skills, while practical workshops on China's intangible cultural heritage provided hands-on experience of traditional arts and cultural practices. Visits to historic sites, cultural landmarks, and modern cities brought both China's rich history and rapid contemporary development vividly to life. Find out more about the programme here (note: the English version is in the 2nd half of this file). 

Beyond the classroom and organised activities, the camp offered countless opportunities for cultural exchange. Over two memorable weeks, OU students lived, learned, and explored alongside peers from around the world, sharing perspectives, learning from one another's experiences, and forming lasting international friendships. Through these interactions, as well as their engagement with instructors and student volunteers, participants gained valuable insights into Chinese society and everyday life.

For many students, the experience was transformative. The summer camp was more than a language-learning opportunity; it was a journey of personal growth, cultural discovery, and intercultural understanding. Participants returned home with greater confidence in their Chinese language skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation of China's rich cultural heritage and contemporary society.

Several OU students described the programme as a highlight of their learning journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to take part.

Student reflections: 

“The experience went well beyond improving my Chinese. Studying at this intensive level quickly showed me how much work remains, particularly with learning characters, and I now plan to dedicate the next two to three months to this. My teacher, Weng Lao Shi, was excellent, and recognising my weaknesses has proved motivating rather than discouraging; it confirms this is a lifelong journey I remain committed to. The cultural visits deepened my existing fascination with Chinese culture”

“I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity because it not only helped me improve my Chinese and learn more about Chinese culture”.

“The key benefit of attending the summer camp was instilling in me greater confidence to try and speak Chinese whenever possible. The Chinese people I met were unfailingly polite, encouraging, and willing to engage in conversation with me. The camp was superbly organised and had the right mix of classroom lessons, cultural insights and visits to places showing China's rich history. A wonderful experience.”

"I still can't believe I've been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of this fantastic Summer Camp. I've reached all my objectives: practising the language, experiencing Chinese culture first-hand, and sharing my own culture with both Chinese people and other participants. The programme is very inclusive and shows that no matter what age you are, you can be part of this kind of wonderful programme to achieve your goals. The programme has definitely reinforced my understanding of China and Chinese culture, and has certainly inspired me to continue with my studies. Many thanks for this wonderful experience!"

“I think the summer camp was such a wonderful opportunity, I really enjoyed learning about the culture, meeting people, and having the chance to be immersed in the language. I think the experience has in some ways reinforced my views on China but also allowed me to gain new insights, one of my biggest takeaways is how kind and generous and welcoming everyone is. The trip has really fuelled my desire to learn Chinese and I am already planning my next HSK test.”

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, the Confucius Institute Office of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press for making this exceptional programme possible. Their generous support enabled OU students to take part in an inspiring and transformative international experience.

Below, you can watch a six-minute highlights video produced by the BFSU Confucius Institute Office, showcasing memorable moments from the summer camp. We are especially proud to see OU students featured throughout the video. A particular highlight comes at around 5:54, where the OU group performs a specially adapted song with lyrics inspired by their summer camp experience. The performance is a fitting conclusion to the programme, capturing the friendships, shared experiences, and spirit of cultural exchange that made the summer camp such a memorable experience for all involved.