From July 2 to July 13, 2012, Confucius Institute at Troy University (CIT) organized students and staff China Trip. The Trip was co-sponsored Confucius Institute Headquarters, Beijing, China, and Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China, which is one of the Troy University’s partners in China.

As one of the cultural programs launched by CIT, the trip opened a window for the Troy University students and staff to see a different and delightful culture of China, which owes to consistent and considerate work of Dr. Iris Hong Xu, Director of Confucius Institute at Troy University, also diligent and devoted support from Prof. Maple Xiaofeng Chen, Deputy Director of Confucius Institute at Troy University.18 students and staff were involved in the trip; the students were from Troy University at Pensacola campus and Orlando campus, the staff were from Troy University at the main campus and Charles Henderson High school at Troy.

In the trip, Troy students and staff visited two cities, Qinhuangdao and Beijing. In Qinhuangdao, a beautiful coastal resort in North China,Troy students and staff were welcomed by Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology. At there, Troy students shared their language and culture with local students in classes; meanwhile, they were offered Chinese language learning class, they were introduced the basic Chinese characters about their origin and development, about the pronunciation and meaning; besides that, Troy students were overwhelmed by Qi and Martial Art performance, massage experience as well as tea art, paper-cutting, calligraphy, flower-making, all of which came from the local university students and teachers.

Besides academic exchange, Troy delegationvisitedstarting place of the Great Wall and the seashore, which are the first temptations in Qinhuangdao.In Beijing, the capital of China, Troy students and staff visited Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple and Confucius Temple, which contains a long dynasty history of China.They also visited Great People’s Hall, Tiananmen Square, Bird Nest (National Stadium build for Olympic Games in 2008) and Water Cube (China National Aquatic Center built for Olympic Games in 2008) to feel the economic and political development in contemporary China. Furthermore, they went to Allay, markets as well as local restaurants to get to know the ordinary people’s life.

The experiences the Troy students and staff gained in China Trip will definitely enlighten their thinking about the differences and similarities between eastern and western cultures; also will directly strengthen the understanding and friendship between people from different cultures. Mr. Aaron Brown, Principle of Troy Charles Henderson Middle School, said, “In addition to my enthusiasm, because of my exposure to China first hand, I can intelligently educate my faculty and students about your way of life in China.” Mr. Brahm Fay, one of the students, quoted Confucius words to express his excitement, “Together, we learn.”