During a tai chi class, the Chinese instructor describes the mantis, snake and dragon moves in English to help the students better understand them, though many still found tai chi difficult. Adam Wilson, for example, a 22-year-old student from the University of Leeds, has learned martial arts in different countries, but this was his first time attempting tai chi.
"It's much slower and feels more intensive. And more self-reflecting," Wilson told the Global Times, who added that their tai chi instructor also taught them the history of the ancient martial art and why so many Chinese people can be seen practicing it in the park every morning.
Bethan Watson, 23, from University of Exeter is also fascinated by martial arts and history and considered the opportunity to learn about tai chi "a great experience." But Watson admitted it would be a challenge for her to learn Putonghua.
In terms of calligraphy, Watson thinks the characters are filled with so much culture and history, but she also does not expect to be able to master the art. "My drawing is not so good. [Calligraphy] is the most difficult, and you have to have an appreciation for it."
Contrastingly, 23-year-old Natasha Carberry from the University of Bradford found writing calligraphy very relaxing. "Learning Mandarin [Putonghua] increases my level of knowledge and understanding of how [the language] has so many tones," Carberry told the Global Times.
However, most of the young interviewees said that Putonghua is really difficult to learn in just three weeks. "It's difficult for me speaking only English to listen and hear the differences," Campbell said, while 19-year-old Alan Kowalski, a student from University of Exeter, thinks Chinese is one of the hardest languages in the world, but also the most creative.
"It's unique compared to other languages. It's so different from anything that I have experienced," Kowalski smiled.
Challenging and useful
Danielle Fenton, 20, a student from Queen's University, studied several languages in the past but considers Chinese the most difficult, especially the tones and pronunciation.
"Today's class is quite challenging and useful, which talks about where we come from," Fenton said, adding that she hopes she can continue to learn Putonghua in China as it's now one of the most important languages in the world.
Kristen Buckle, 21 and from University of Exeter, shared the same opinion, saying that even though the tones and pronunciation are hard to master, the three-week course has been a good introduction for her. "I definitely will continue to learn the language [when I return to the UK]."
Among all nine students the Global Times interviewed, most showed an enthusiasm or interest in learning about Chinese culture, and hope to have further education or work opportunities in Shanghai after graduation. "To work in Shanghai would be a great opportunity," Wilson told the Global Times. "If I could work here, that would be amazing."
Thind said she definitely wants to work in China in the future, which was one of the reasons she chose this program in the first place. She told the Global Times that she made the right decision to participate in the program in order for her to experience the country first-hand.
"There are so many businesses in China, so there are many work opportunities here. It's also one of the leading economies in the world. So it would be brilliant to work here," Thind exclaimed.
Popular and growing
"Definitely, I will return here [China] after graduation. I've been learning Chinese and I hope I will be fluent one day, so the best way would be to work or study more in China," Charlotte Cattaneo, 22 and from UCL told the Global Times.
In 2017, 489,200 international students furthered their studies in China, an increase of over 10 percent for the second consecutive year, according to a note posted on the website of the Ministry of Education of China (MOE) in April.
The number of degree students reached 241,500 (49.38 percent of the total), up 15 percent year-on-year, according to the MOE.
An increasing number of foreign students are choosing to get their master's or PhD degree in China.
At the end of 2017, China had become the most popular destination for international students in Asia, according to the MOE.
Watson hopes she can use what she has learned in China thus far (culture, language) at the international level.
Carberry was glad that her family will also visit China next year with her.
"Hopefully I will see more of Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing. I really look forward to it."
Kowalski said he's a "city boy" and loves the hustle and bustle of big cities like London and Shanghai. But he is far more impressed by Shanghai's long history and culture.
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