By Yang Jianhua | | Translated by Jin Yajun| Reviewed by He Ying
In a milestone for Sino-Japanese educational collaboration, the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Ningbo University recently partnered with Iwate University’s Faculty of Education and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Japan) to host two immersive language and cultural exchange programs, culminating in the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Chinese Language Immersion: Bridging Cultures Through Learning
A 10-member Chinese Language Study Program cohort from Iwate University, comprising first- and second-year students with six months to one year of prior Mandarin training, embarked on a two-week intensive immersion at Ningbo University. Guided by professional instructors, the students deepened their linguistic skills while exploring Chinese martial arts culture.
Japanese language majors from Ningbo University volunteered as cultural ambassadors, organizing weekend excursions to Shaoxing (hometown of renowned writer Lu Xun) and Hangzhou’s UNESCO-listed West Lake, offering firsthand encounters with the cultural heritage of Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River).
At the closing ceremony, all participants received certificates of completion, with faculty encouraging them to continue their Mandarin studies and share their experiences—China’s landscapes, stories, and cuisine—with communities back home.
Japanese Pedagogy in Action: Collaborative Teaching Innovation
Concurrently, a six-member Japanese Language Education Internship Program team from Iwate University, specializing in Japanese pedagogy, engaged in a tailored exchange aligned with Ningbo University’s Comprehensive Japanese curriculum. Under the mentorship of NBU’s Japanese department faculty, the interns observed classes, designed lesson plans, and conducted practical teaching sessions. Innovative interactions flourished through language games and thematic workshops, where Iwate students took on instructor roles, showcasing authentic Japanese teaching methods.
NBU’s Japanese majors further demonstrated their expertise by delivering bilingual guided tours during the Hangzhou trip, earning high praise from their Japanese counterparts and co-creating unforgettable cross-cultural memories.
Strengthening Ties: A New Chapter in Collaboration
The exchange culminated in the signing of an MoU between Ningbo University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages and Iwate University’s two faculties, formalizing commitments to joint talent development, educational innovation, and expanded academic cooperation.
These programs not only provided Japanese students with a vibrant window into Chinese culture but also offered Ningbo University students invaluable opportunities for international engagement, fostering lasting friendships and laying a robust foundation for future collaboration.
