Professor Da Zheng led a group of nine students and Suffolk alumni to Shanghai for the Chinese Language and Culture Program at Shanghai Normal University from June 1 to June 22, 2010.

The university’s International College of Chinese Studies is one of the most reputable Chinese language teaching sites in China. Upon their arrival, students were immediately immersed in language learning. Morning classes were full of grammar studies and practicing oral Chinese. In the afternoon, the group participated in various cultural activities, such as calligraphy, martial arts, and er-hu (a Chinese string instrument).

The group also spent time in vibrant Shanghai and its suburbs, and took excursions to Suzhou and Hangzhou, seeing historic sites and traditional Chinese architecture. Students also visited the World Expo in Shanghai, walking into various pavilions and encountering different cultures.

The entire experience reminded everyone of the richness of world culture and the need for mutual understanding.