Exploring Chinese Education and Culture – 2018 Educators Tour in China

In October 2018 a group of six upper secondary school principals from Espoo, Leppävirta andSavukoski, used their autumn holiday break to attend an Educators tour in China. This delegation wasorganized by the Confucius Institute and led by coordinator Mariliina Räsänen. The tour wassponsored by Hanban and hosted by Renmin University of China. The one week long tour includedvisits in several universities, high school and Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing.

At Renmin University the Finnish delegation visited School of Education and was welcomed by thedean Zhong Xiaojing. Assistant professor Gao Hang introduced the fundamental education systemsand its development in China and assistant professor Xie Meng gave insights to the higher education.The discussion was followed by a campus tour and visit to the University Museum.

At Beijing Foreign Studies University Finnish language teacher Eeva Yang introduced the history ofFinnish language program at BFSU in fluent Finnish. In the meeting there were several local teacherswho were eager to learn about Finnish education and they had a vivid exchange of ideas on educationwith the members of the delegation.

Besides the official visits cultural sites were not forgotten. A local guide led the group to explore theGreat Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Olympic Park. An amazing acrobatic show in a localtheatre gave a glimpse to Chinese performing arts.

Experiencing a concise introduction to Chinese culture China Exploratorium atConfucius Institute Headquarters

And of course tasting local Chinese food was essential part of the trip.

After five busy days in Beijing the group took the high speed train to Xi´an. Travelling by train gavean opportunity to see also a glimpse of the countryside and the massive construction work that isgoing on all over China. In one day the delegation visited the key sites of the city: the impressive 14km long city wall, Terracotta Warriors, the winter residence of emperors Huaqing Palace and thebusy Muslim shopping street.

Touring Huaqing Palace in rain

The Muslim street was full of life and full of “never seen before” things.

The key to the warm welcome in Xi´an was the lively and warm-hearted local guide. In one day shegave the delegation insight not only to the tourist sights but also to the life of local people. All inall, the whole trip was in excellent balance of visits, professional exchanges and cultureexperiences. A very satisfied group of principals returned to Finland.

Feedback from the participants:

“Warm thanks for the unforgettable trip! We learned a lot about both historical and modern China.Personally climbing the Great Wall on a beautiful autumn day and seeing the Terracotta Army gaveme the deepest impression. I also liked the school visits very much. There were just the right amountof them in the program. The highlight of the trip was the visit to Xi'an. I would like to travel thereagain one day. I wish to convey special thanks to our great local guide who made our visitunforgettable.”

Anni Virnes, Leppävirta Upper Secondary School

“Thank you very much for the impressive trip to all travel companions. The arrangements wereabundant and we were so well taken care of. I was especially impressed by the trip to Xi´an and theTerracotta Warriors. Travelling by train gave a good idea how huge country China is. As a matterof fact, it would have been interesting to visit some schools in Xi´an too.”

Harri Korhonen, Espoonlahti Upper Secondary School

“Excellent trip, good program and visits. If I could wish something more, it would be visiting aschool so that we could observe teaching, students and classroom conditions. I especially liked ourvisit to Xi´an. Not only the Terracotta Army was impressive but also the whole city. The guide wasexcellent and so was to food too. In addition the discussions with other principals during the busrides were also fruitful. Since I also had good rest in the hotels, the trip was perfect.”

Kaisa Tikka, Olari Upper Secondary School

“The trip was most rewarding, the worst thing about it was that is ended all too soon. I´ll definitelyvisit China again. Thank you for the most impressive trip of my life!”

Jukka Taipale, Savukoski Upper Secondary School