We have built the bridge

We have built the bridge

08 February 2021

January 19, 20, 26 и 27, 2021 students and teachers from UMTE were studying mysterious world of China

«Chinese Bridge» online program was organized by our partner-university – Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. Our participants shared their impression.

Vorobeva Yana, the 4th year student of International Financial Management

We’ve made contact

When I registered for the program, I couldn’t imagine that in 4 days I would be able to know so much about Chinese culture. Lixin University has prepared online courses, pre-recorded video lessons in Chinese, and video tours of Shanghai for us.

All these classes were held on a special platform-Chinese Plus. You didn't need to download or switch to any additional platforms. You could also participate from your phone, but because of the unstable Internet, you had to restart the browser several times.

First acquaintance

I have never learned Chinese or Chinese culture. That is why the program has broadened my horizons. It is impossible to learn Chinese in 4 days. But I was able to understand the logic of the language, to learn its historical origin. And for me, this is the most important moment in learning a foreign language.

«Draw» a letter

I always knew that Chinese language has a very complex structure. The most difficult thing is hieroglyphic writing. However, this is a matter of practice, it is unusual to write by «drawings».

During the course, we had a homework: to record and send a video where we apply new knowledge. We could record how we write hieroglyphs, cut them out of paper, tell a story in Chinese. It was a creative task and we could do anything.

The organizers always answered our questions quickly, were polite and helped us.

Let’s walk the streets of Shanghai

Video tours were in Chinese with English subtitles. This is great and you can understand China better because of Chinese language. In one lesson, we were told and shown the history of Shanghai. Other lessons showed modern China, its economic center, and told about the structure of Chinese economy.

I really enjoyed this course. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, it is not possible to visit China and Shanghai university. However, thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to gain knowledge from all over the world.

Chernaya Alena, the 1st year student of International Financial Management

Cherish your dreams

Online education has become a common phenomenon. The pandemic forced almost the entire country to stay at home. That is why I have become interested in online courses. To learn Chinese has been my long-cherished dream. I didn’t know where to start. Suddenly I received a message about online program «Chinese bridge». I was so excited and, honestly, I wasn’t disappointed.

The teachers are responsive and tried to provide maximum knowledge.

Chinese language classes I liked the most. There were 3 classes in total, during which I learned numbers, simple dialogues, pronunciation. It was so exciting and understandable even for a beginner.

Chinese music, calligraphy lessons, online tours of the city made me feel the vides of China.

I will continue to participate in different online courses because they inspire and broaden my horizons. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

Sluzhenikina Ekaterina, the 1st year student of International Financial Management

Say goodbye to language barriers

At first I was worried that it will be difficult for me to participate because of the language barrier. But I shouldn’t. The information was provided in the most understandable form.

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy

The information was presented in a fun and memorable way. In Chinese lessons, we learned to speak with easy sentences. The teachers have managed to interest me so much that I want to continue learning the language.

At the classes we did not just sit and listen to lectures, we also had small activities. We were taught traditional origami and Chinese songs.

I really liked that you can turn on the camera only if you want.

In the current situation we were able to see how beautiful China from our own homes.

We received an incredible amount of interesting information about their culture, their calligraphy, their music, and their instruments. We were shown how accounts were used in ancient China.

I have a lot of pleasant memories. I want to note that it was very convenient to use the site, all platforms.

Vedernikova Anastasia, the 3rd year student of Linguistics

Love at first sight

Shanghai won my heart from the first seconds. It was love at first sight. Every place is fraught with amazing stories about ancient dynasties, about temples destroyed and revived from the ashes, about cities that have seen all the rulers.

Shanghai is the Venice of China. There are many districts in Shanghai that are built on water. We were able to visit them virtually. We also visited the company that made pencils and studied the process of production.

We stood firm. But then the teachers began to tease us with their traditional cuisine and it melted our hearts. We already rushed to look for the next flights to China, but we remembered that we can't yet. So while the borders are closed, we decided to work hard to learn Chinese. We were taught to count, to conduct elementary conversations: acquaintance, a small story about yourself.

Feel the art

Besides lectures we also created art. It’s the best word to describe Chinese calligraphy. This is true art. Each character requires a special approach. The hand moves on the canvas as if in a dance; in the dance of the hand and the brush, when the brush becomes an extension of the hand.

We also cut a lot. Jianzhi is the Chinese paper cutting art. In my opinion to do this you need to be born with such a talent. They make incredible pictures.

Now we know exactly where we're going first when the boarders will be open again.

And a few more words…

Kurtsevich Olga, the 2nd year student of Linguistics

I am so happy that I had a chance to participate in «Chinese Bridge» online program.

I learned so much interesting information I’ve never heard about before. We studied history, language, music, arts, architecture, food. Our teachers shared with us information that you can learn only from native people. I discovered for myself the culture of ancient and modern China. The teachers always were ready to answer our questions during the classes and after via e-mail. The organization is perfect. I would like to take part in all such programs!

Chirkunova Ekaterina, the 4th year student of Linguistics

I liked participating in «Chinese Bridge» program, as it was conducted by native Chinese, so the material they chose (video and audio recordings, photos and legends) reflected how they themselves see their culture and history.

The lecturers presented the material in a fascinating way and quickly answered all the questions of the participants. Therefore, it was a pleasure to listen and complete the tasks!

I enjoyed the mythology and history of the formation of hieroglyphs, the sights of China.

Ryabtseva Anna, the 4th year student of Linguistics

The lecturers provided us with lots of interesting and useful information. Every text had a visual illustration with examples. The teachers promptly answered all questions in the chat. The online platform had everything we needed: a screen demonstration, video communication with teachers and online chat...Everything is so harmonic.