FOSHAN, Guangdong: Dozens of teenagers from the United Kingdom are making their summer a memorable one by participating in a camp with 100 Chinese students in the Nanhai District of Foshan, South China's Guangdong Province.

Organized by the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou and the Nanhai Shimen Middle School, 59 middle school students from the UK, led by 12 teachers, will have an opportunity to study Chinese calligraphy, cooking, and martial arts during the two-week camp.

"I came to know about this event from my teacher," 15-year-old Alex Mortlock said. "I am very excited that I will learn about Chinese culture as well as meet new friends."

Linda Greenshields, a teacher at Poratree High School, Scotland, said: "I adopted a girl in China a few years ago. I would like to let my own son and my students know more about China, especially its people."

Jim Hollington, the British consul for culture and education, said: "We have organized summer camps in different cities in China before, such as Xiamen and Hangzhou.

"It is a good opportunity for British students to broaden their international horizons."

The director of the education bureau of Nanhai District, Lu Zhihua, said it was a "win-win" event for both sides.

"Students and teachers of Nanhai Middle School can improve their English and knowledge of British culture through this event," he said.

During yesterday's opening ceremony, students from the two countries took part in contests featuring singing, dancing and games.

On Saturday, the visitors will attend martial arts, calligraphy and cooking classes.

Next week, they will travel around Foshan and visit local families.

They will also participate in a special event with local students, called City Hunters.

Organizers will set a number of questions for the students and they will have to find the answers by interviewing pedestrians.

(China Daily 07/18/2007 page5)