Sharing personal experiences of

the Summer School for Francophone students 2023

LUO Jiamin, China, international student, July 2023

From the 8th to the 15th of July, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a summer school program at Tongji University in Shanghai, centered around the captivating theme of Innovation and Culture. This immersive experience provided us with a profound understanding of Chinese culture, fueled our innovative thinking, and developed our prowess in international communication.

On behalf of all the students, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and sincere wishes to Tongji University, AUF and all the teachers. Thank you for organizing this wonderful summer school program and for the care and support shown to us throughout this period. We are truly honored to have been a part of this enriching experience. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, igniting our passion for learning and providing us with valuable insights. We will always cherish your selfless dedication. We look forward to crossing paths again in our future endeavors.

#Culture:

Throughout the summer school program, we were able to delve into various facets of Chinese culture. A noteworthy visit was to the esteemed Tintin Shop, where we were enraptured by the global phenomenon surrounding this beloved character and witnessed firsthand the profound impact Tintin has had on popular culture. This visit afforded us the invaluable opportunity to appreciate the interplay between China and the world in terms of cultural exchange. I also highly appreciate the enthusiasm of the shop owner. He told us about his entrepreneurial journey, which surprised us a lot. He stepped out of his comfort zone at the height of his success to pursue his passion, which was a courageous and commendable attempt. He encourages us to pursue our ideals and passions, which will make us truly passionate and active in our careers.

Venturing into Sanlin, a town steeped in local customs, was a true cultural immersion. Since the last century, Lu Dajie, the founder of the Sanlin Dragon Dance team, has begun to push the dragon dance competition to the standardized road, he drafted the international dragon and lion competition rules, with the competitive team constantly to the different levels of the dragon dance team, in 30 or 40 years, started the Sanlin Dragon Dance this cultural brand. Sanlin Dragon dance inherited the traditional dragon dance skills, but also absorbed the dragon dance skills of brother provinces and cities, integrating the body language of dance, the footwork of opera, the spirit of martial arts, and the somersaulting and tumbling of skills to form a unique Shanghai style. We also tried to practice the dragon and lion dance at Tongji University and Sanlin with the help of the team founder and the dragon and lion dance team of Tongji, which makes me more familiar and the same time more respectful to this traditional art. This unique experience not only broadened our understanding of the Chinese traditional Lion and dragon dance but also fostered a genuine exchange of cultural knowledge and ideas.

Additionally, our visit to the jewelry design studio provided us with a mesmerizing glimpse into the rich tradition of craftsmanship within Chinese culture. Observing the meticulous process of jewelry making underscored the significance of preserving cultural techniques and emphasized the profound role of artistry and aesthetics in Chinese society.

#Innovation:

Tongji's Entrepreneurship Valley presented an extraordinary opportunity to help and found visionary startup founders. We also visited two of them. Their captivating stories and experiences served as catalysts, igniting our own innovative thinking and invigorating our entrepreneurial spirits. This visit served as an indelible testament to the entrepreneurial drive and forward-thinking mindset at the heart of China's thriving startup ecosystem. Bear witness to the boundless creativity and unwavering determination exhibited by these entrepreneurs remains a truly inspirational memory.

Our visit to Marangoni School offered captivating insights into the vibrant realm of fashion and design. Immersed in the creative process, we gleaned indispensable wisdom about the paramount importance of innovative thinking within the ever-evolving fashion industry, and learnt a lot about basic of fashion styling. Through fashion styling practice, we were empowered to unlock our own creative potential, daring us to push the boundaries of our imagination.

#International Communication:

The summer school program placed considerable emphasis on honing our international communication skills. Lectures by Li Yushu(Charles Lee) about “Cultural diversity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities of Young Foreigners in China” provided us with invaluable insights into China's thriving business scene and remarkable cultural heritage and customs. These remarkable discourses not only underscored the significance of innovation but also illuminated how deeply ingrained cultural values and traditions continue to shape the entrepreneurial mindset in China.

Furthermore, engaging with Vietnamese students fostered our intercultural competence, serving as a profound catalyst for personal growth. Through stimulating conversations and meaningful exchanges, we gained profound insights into the unique characteristics, traditions, and perspectives of our Vietnamese friends. This experience served as a powerful amplifier of our ability to communicate effectively across cultures, emphasizing the paramount importance of global collaboration.

The summer school program at Tongji University, optimized its fusion of culture, innovation, and international communication, served as an unforgettable transformative experience. Our exploration of various cultural facets not only deepened our knowledge but also kindled a genuine reverence for Chinese heritage. Engaging with visionary individuals and institutions inspired our own creative flair and unleashed our entrepreneurial potential. Above all, the program's emphasis on international communication fortified our ability to connect and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

This enriching experience has indubitably left an indelible mark on our personal and professional growth. The summer school not only cultivated our cultural awareness but also nourished our innovative thinking while empowering us to excel in the realm of international communication. We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this program and eagerly anticipate applying the invaluable lessons learned in our future endeavors.

编者按，同济大学法语学生暑期学校顺利结束，将逐步发表部分同学的感言

2023年同济大学法语学生暑期学校（UEE）是“法语世界就业竞争力促进中心”项目和AUF全球学生社团网络（CLEF）框架下开展的活动之一，于7月8日至15日在上海举行。本次暑期学校以“创新创业与传统文化“为主题，招募了来自越南、法国和中国的15名学员，通过一系列讲座、参观和交流活动，以及围绕主题完成小组课题，增进同学们对中国传统文化的了解和对创新创业理念的认识。本次暑期学校也得到了外事办公室、留学生办公室、同济大学创新创业学院、创业谷、创新创业控股公司、就业指导中心、学生龙狮运动协会、国际文化交流学院等单位的大力支持。