Local secondary school students have a unique opportunity this summer to participate in a two-week language and culture trip to China – but they must apply by Friday, June 30.
A Cariboo Regional District (CRD) news release today (June 21) states Suzhou City, China invites Cariboo-Chilcotin secondary school students, ages 14-18, to attend a Chinese Bridge Summer Camp in August.
While participating students are responsible for en route costs and personal expenses – such as their flights, travel insurance, visa fees, meals and accommodation to and from China – once they arrive, the summer camp is free.
The Chinese host school has generously agreed to cover all the costs for the students while they are in China, including food, accommodation, transportation and group activities, the CRD release states.
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 camp runs from Aug. 13-27 in Suzhou City, Anhui Province, China, and the deadline for applications for youth (ages 14-18) is June 30.
This invitation is thanks, in part, to discussions by CRD directors and other delegates of local government and business on a recent trade mission to several Chinese municipalities.
In Suzhou City, the local 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.
Vancouver-based Canada China City & Town Friendship Association are co-organizing the trip with the Sucheng No.1 High School with the support of the Bureau of Education and Sports of Suzhou Municipality.
Watch for more details and comments from the CRD in the June 29 edition of the Free Press.
More information is also online in the CRD release at www.cariboord.bc.ca/news/news-releases.
Interested students are also encouraged to talk to their school about the opportunity, or e-mail CRD chair Al Richmond at arichmond@cariboord.ca for trip information and application forms and he will also connect them to Sucheng No.1 High School’s representative in Vancouver.