The Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) International Summer School, held as part of the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship International Summer School program, concluded after four weeks of Chinese language courses and cultural activities in Shanghai, bringing together international students from the United States, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The summer school featured three tracks: new practices in China-U.S. Chinese language education in the AI era; a youth summer camp held as part of the “China-Russia Years of Education” initiative; and an initiative focusing on the development of RCEP countries and Yangtze River Delta integration.

In Classrooms and Beyond

Under the theme “Telling Stories of Chinese Modernization Well,” the summer school designed its curriculum and activities based on students’ backgrounds and proficiency levels. The courses combined Chinese language learning with cultural subjects such as tai chi, Chinese calligraphy, and paper-cutting. Small-class instruction incorporated interactive teaching methods, including role plays, group discussions, and scenario-based tasks, encouraging students to actively participate and apply what they learned.

Beyond the classroom, themed lectures, city explorations, and intangible cultural heritage experiences allowed students to gain a closer look at Chinese culture and China’s development through direct engagement.

Students participating in the China-U.S. Chinese language education track took part in a themed field trip to Hongkou District, visiting sites that introduced Shanghai’s history and culture. They also learned about advances in artificial intelligence and participated in a seminar on AI-empowered Chinese language education.

The youth summer camp included a workshop on Songjiang cloth, a traditional textile product recognized as intangible cultural heritage, as well as cultural visits, exchange sessions, and cultural performances. These activities offered Russian students insights into how tradition and modernization coexist in Shanghai.

Participants from RCEP countries took part in activities ranging from a visit to the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a Songjiang cloth-making workshop to a field visit to Chongming Island in Shanghai. Through these activities, they gained a glimpse into revolutionary heritage, intangible cultural heritage, ecological protection, and green development practices.

Student Support and Engagement

From arrival arrangements to daily communication, SISU provided assistance to participants throughout their stay in Shanghai. A student handbook was provided upon arrival, containing information on accommodation arrangements, campus life, and safety procedures. Dedicated program coordinators were assigned to accompany participants throughout the summer school, while online groups were set up to respond to students’ questions and needs in a timely manner.

As many participants from RCEP countries were Chinese language teachers from Thailand and Vietnam, a luncheon dialogue with a dean at SISU was arranged to discuss potential cooperation in teacher development and talent cultivation. The session also provided an opportunity to hear participants’ feedback.

Upon completion of the program, participants received certificates recognizing their participation.

For the final assessment, students shared their learning experiences through written notes, videos, and photos, reflecting on how classroom learning and experiences in Shanghai had deepened their understanding of Chinese culture and China today. Many expressed interest in learning more about China and exploring further educational opportunities in China.

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“Immersion activities reinforced what I learned in class, gave me the courage to make mistakes in real-life situations, and helped me learn from them.” — Izel Solana Hui, California State University, Long Beach, United States

“This experience has motivated me to continue my studies in China. I hope to return to China in the future for further study or to pursue a master’s degree.” — Aleksei Sidorenko, Russian University of Transport, Russia

“I will bring the AI teaching approaches I learned back to my classrooms and help promote cultural exchange through education.” — Laocharoen Atittaya, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand

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The summer school provided international students with opportunities to learn Chinese, experience Chinese culture, and see different aspects of China. Looking ahead, SISU will continue to enhance the summer school by improving course design and student services while strengthening cooperation with universities worldwide to promote cultural exchange through Chinese language education.

 

Source: Study at SISU