Local high school students have the opportunity to participate in a two-week language and culture trip to China this summer.
The Chinese Bridge Summer Camp runs from Aug. 13-27 in Suzhou City, Anhui Province, however, interested youth, ages 14-18, must apply by Friday, June 30.
The goal of the summer camp is to facilitate communication and connections between Canadian and Chinese teenagers, said the Cariboo Regional District in a press release Wednesday, noting the program will help Canadian youth learn about Chinese culture and the students will serve as ambassadors as they raise awareness of Canadian culture throughout the trip.
During the two weeks, students will take Mandarin Chinese language courses and cultural courses in traditional Wushu, Tai Chi, calligraphy and painting.
Students will have opportunity to interact with Chinese students and participate in ambassador activities. They will also tour local attractions and visit the rural areas of the region to understand their peers’ lifestyle better.
The Chinese host school will cover all the costs for the students while they are in China, including food, accommodation, transportation and group activities.
Students are responsible for their flights, accommodation and meals to and from China, as well as their personal travel insurance, visa application fees and all other personal expenses.
The Cariboo Regional District and other B.C. local government and business delegates recently returned from a trade mission to several Chinese municipalities.
In Suzhou City, the group met with directors at a local university and several secondary schools, including Sucheng No.1 High School, to discuss opportunities to connect the youth of both regions.
Furthering those conversations, Suzhou City has invited Cariboo-Chilcotin high school students to attend a Chinese Bridge Summer Camp.
Sucheng No.1 High School and Vancouver-based Canada China City and Town Friendship Association (CCCTFA) are co-organizing the trip with the support of the Bureau of Education and Sports of Suzhou Municipality.
Interested students are encouraged to talk to their school about the opportunity.
Recognizing schools may not be able to participate due to the short timeline, students interested in participating independently of their school can e-mail CRD Chair Al Richmond at arichmond@cariboord.ca for trip information and the application form.
He will also connect them to Sucheng No.1 High School’s representative in Vancouver.
Learn more about the recent B.C. regions’ trade mission to China at cariboord.ca. To see photos from the trip, visit facebook.com/CaribooRegion.