A group of students from the International Institute of Economics and Linguistics of Irkutsk State University participated in the International Summer School “Synergy of Linguocultural Adaptation and Digital Transformation: Experimental Programme for Analyzing the Economic and Strategic Prospects of Chinese Enterprises”, organized by Liaoning University (Shenyang, China) from July 1st to 22nd.
The trip was covered by a scholarship from the Chinese Government and provided 24 students studying Chinese with a unique opportunity to combine intensive learning with a deep immersion in the culture and innovations of modern China. The group was accompanied by Olga Rodionova, senior lecturer at the Department of Linguistics and Linguodidactics of ISU IIEL.
Olga Rodionova:
The summer school programme included not only in-depth study of the Chinese language with an emphasis on technical terminology but also familiarization with advanced branches of the Chinese economy.
The students visited leading enterprises and research centres, gaining invaluable practical experience and insights into the country’s technological progress.
Among the most memorable visits were:
- Ascend Artificial Intelligence Center: students saw firsthand how artificial intelligence is applied in industry and healthcare, highly appreciating the level of development of these technologies in China.
- Boyu Group: the visit was remembered for the demonstration of innovative projects and the potential for future cooperation. The warm welcome, accompanied by singing Russian songs, was particularly touching.
- BMW Factory: participants were impressed by the highly automated production, where robots perform welding, painting and assembly of car bodies with incredible precision and speed.
- Yili Dairy Factory: students learned about the technologically advanced process of yogurt production, noted strict hygiene standards and tasted fresh products.
In addition to the visits to organizations, the programme included a rich cultural component. Liaoning University organized workshops for students, allowing them to truly feel the traditions of China:
- Taijiquan: under the guidance of an experienced master, students learned the basic movements of this ancient martial art, embracing its philosophical depth and meditative nature.
- Chinese knotting and paper cutting (Jianzhi): participants learned how to create basic elements of these traditional crafts, admiring the skill of the teachers.
- Trying on hanfu: the opportunity to try on traditional Chinese costumes was one of the brightest and most memorable moments for the entire group.
Familiarization with the history and culture of the region continued with guided tours to the Liaoning Provincial Museum and the Shenyang Imperial Palace (Mukden Palace), where students were able to better understand the past of China and appreciate the rich cultural heritage. A visit to the “1905” Cultural and Creative Park allowed them to purchase souvenirs and get acquainted with contemporary art.
An integral part of the cultural immersion was Chinese cuisine. Students tasted a variety of dishes in the university cafeteria and local restaurants, discovering new tastes and culinary traditions.
In their free time, the summer school participants visited a city park, a water park and also visited the city of Dalian, where they visited a zoo and were able to feed capybaras and see giraffes.
Participation in the Liaoning University Summer School was an invaluable experience for ISU IIEL students, allowing them not only to expand their knowledge in the field of Chinese language, science and technology, but also to gain a deep understanding of modern China, become imbued with its rich culture and establish contacts with Chinese peers. The trip inspired the participants to further study the language and strengthen academic ties with Chinese universities.
