Chinese philosophy draws int'l students to summer school

Wang Jing from Canada starts her journey through traditional Chinese thought and modern China today, as one of 35 participants at the Philosophy Summer School at Beijing Normal University.

Born in China, Wang was raised in Canada and speaks "native-ish" English.

Canada and China are very different and what both improve and benefit from is to understand each other through communication, Wang said. The two week summer school features 27 participants from nine countries, including Germany, France and the United States. Eight Chinese students who have a great interest in Chinese traditional studies also are enrolled.

The summer school is organized by BNU's School of Philosophy and financially supported by Confucius Institute Headquarters.

Chinese people have always respected different cultures and also hope to increase communication and dialogue with various cultures, BNU Vice President Zhou Zuoyu said, adding that the cultural immersion will inspire new energy and development understanding of each other. The school carefully designed the courses. Content includes not only traditional Chinese thoughtsuch as Confucius and ritual studies, but also the modern development of China in various aspects, said Wu Xiangdong, dean of School of Philosophy.

BNU's philosophy school is one of the most prestigious Chinese philosophy research centers in China. It publishes and circulates an important English language academic journal, Frontiers of Philosophy in China.

BNU Philosophy Summer School is one of many summer schools providing a China experience to foreign students. Summer camps for international students in China have grown in popularity and attract students who want to experience Chinese culture and development.

Overseas summer schools are one of the most popular ways foreign students spend their vacation. As China's global role continues to grow, the country becomes one of their top choices.

Also, foreign students are showing more interest in Chinese language, leading them to want to participate in China's summer schools.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn