By Fang Xiayan, He Ying | Photos by Lin Wanxin

On March 1, Ningbo University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages welcomed a delegation of students and faculty from Lycee Francais de Chicago (LFC), USA, for a dynamic cultural exchange event titled “Sino-American Student Cultural Dialogue.”

Through interactive activities blending tradition and innovation, the event highlighted the spirit of mutual learning and appreciation across civilizations, fostering deeper connections among young participants.  

Breaking Barriers: From Strangers to Friends  

The event kicked off with an ice-breaking session where students paired as “1+3 Cultural Ambassadors”. Bilingual self-introductions and a playful “Two Truths and a Lie” game sparked laughter and camaraderie. The highlight was a lively “Cultural Charades” segment, where teams acted out traditions like Chinese Spring Festival customs and American Christmas rituals, bridging cultural gaps through humor and collaboration.  

Magic and Philosophy Converge: A Blend of Logic and Artistic Expression

A card magic performance, grounded in traditional Chinese mathematical principles, captivated students. While demonstrating traditional Chinese calculation methods, the Chinese numeral system was artfully combined with close-up magic in an immersive educational experience. The program engaged American students through interactive segments, where participants effortlessly grasped basic numerical terms like "零 " (zero), "一" (one), "二" (two), "三" (three) while unraveling magical mysteries.

Meanwhile, a calligraphy workshop stole the show: Shizhou Anjian, a Chinese student, elucidated the philosophy embedded in the strokes of Chinese characters such as "一" (one), "人" (person), and "天" (heaven). American participants, wielding calligraphy brushes for the first time, created innovative calligraphy pieces like "福" (fortune) fused with U.S. flag motifs, symbolizing a harmonious fusion of East-West aesthetics.

Co-Creation: Friendship Etched in Ink  

In a collaborative task, Ningbo students used AI tools to create Chinese names for their American peers—such as “艾琳” (Ailin) and “瑞安” (Ruian)—and guided them in writing these with brushes. The exchange culminated in a heartfelt swap of artworks, including calligraphy pieces like “天人合一” (harmony between humanity and nature), and a group photo capturing beaming smiles.  

Expanding Horizons: A Blueprint for Global Education  

This exchange, co-organized by Ningbo University’s International Office and the Faculty of Foreign Languages, reflected a commitment to cultivating globally minded talents. Beyond campus tours and city explorations, the program extended to Ningbo Middle School, where LFC students engaged in dumpling-making and paper-cutting activities with local teens. “This hands-on immersion made Chinese culture tangible,” remarked an LFC teacher.

Ningbo University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages continues to champion cross-cultural education, empowering students to become ambassadors of mutual understanding. As partnerships with global institutions like LFC flourish, the school remains dedicated to weaving a richer tapestry of international dialogue.