Experiencing China: Lessons from Beijing Institute of Technology

For three weeks in June and July, I travelled to Beijing for UTS’ Faculty Led – FASS – Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) Chinese Language program. I spent time on campus learning Chinese and enjoying cultural activities as well as got the chance to see famous attractions. This was my first experience overseas and as I began learning Chinese in high school, it was surreal to finally travel to China.

Language Lessons

As the BIT program revolved around language development, I made a goal to only speak Mandarin when interacting with Chinese people. The two hour language lessons and general language immersion from travelling in Beijing truly assisted me in my endeavour to gain confidence and proficiency in my linguistic skills. I found that possessing an appropriate, respectful mindset when interacting with another culture was vital for cultural appreciation. Linguistic skills alongside open-minded attitudes towards others together created invaluable opportunities such as having conversations in Mandarin with locals. Beijing definitely holds a special place in my heart for being the first place I experienced outside of Australia and as my Chinese teacher from BIT said ““幸福的人才会出现戒断反应” (Only happy people will experience withdrawal symptoms).

Cultural Tours

Perhaps my favourite parts of the program was visiting cultural sites such as the Forbidden City (故宫), Summer Palace (颐和园) and the Great Wall of China (长城).

I was grateful for buying a hat at the mall nearby campus as all of these days included intense heat and exercise. I was so marvelled by the Forbidden City’s architecture and historical exhibits that I ended up taking a photo of every single display. My supervisor, Winston, led us through each site explaining the significant cultural and historical meanings throughout. He was also quite fond of Chinese idioms, encouraging us on our climb up the Great Wall with ‘不到长城非好汉’, literally meaning ‘the one who fails to reach the summit of the Great Wall is not a true man’.

Cultural Activities

The BIT program also prioritised cultural learning, expanding my experience and knowledge of Chinese culture. There were cultural lectures on history, cuisines and festivals as well as cultural activities on 京剧 (Beijing/Peking Opera) mask painting, ink paintings and paper cutting. Each activity amplified my admiration for Chinese culture and history and taught me patience and understanding to create traditional Chinese art.

The collection of my experiences during the BIT program shaped not only my perspective on how different cultures function but also how those cultural practices, norms and values present can contribute to social flourishing. China and Australia’s cultures consist of numerous differences and observing and living in another cultural expression generated a fresh outlook on cultural diversity. Developing my Mandarin was only one skill gained from the program. Intense perseverance accomplished through climbing two summits of the Great Wall, receptiveness and cultural awareness from engaging in another culture and intercultural connectedness through conversing with Chinese people in Beijing were just as integral to learn and beneficial for my personal and professional life.

Aspen Sutcliffe
Bachelor of Communications (Media Arts & Production), Bachelor of International Studies
Faculty Led – FASS – Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) Chinese Language program
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal