International students from the College of International Education of Shanghai University, together with their Chinese teachers, recently went on a trip to the ancient town of Zhujiajiao in Shanghai, during which they visited attractions and improved their proficiency of Chinese.
Organized by the College of International Education of Shanghai University, the tour of Zhujiajiao was aimed at helping international students improve their command of the Chinese language.
During the trip, students each drew a card with Chinese instructions before carrying out the stipulated tasks, such as asking merchants how to make certain foods, interviewing tourists and shooting videos.
The students also walked through the streets and alleys to look for renowned attractions, taking down details along the way and speaking with tourists and merchants to determine the answers to questions stated on their cards.
Some students even exchanged ideas with merchants and learned that the one managing Grandma Zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) can sell up to 20,000 pieces a day during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Some students spoke with local residents and learned about the historical attractions within the town. There were also merchants who invited students to browse the ingredients they use. Through these interactions, the students were able to better appreciate the beautiful scenery of the ancient town and understand the folk customs.
At the end of the tour, the students praised the activity as interesting and rewarding. They also said that they did not expect that they could understand Chinese as well as they did, nor did they expect that the town residents and tourists would communicate with them so patiently and enthusiastically.
