On June 13, 2025, the Chinese Specialty Program at East China Normal University's International Education Center held its closing ceremony with great ceremony. Over 280 international students from more than 40 countries came together to celebrate their academic achievements. Over the four - month journey, they wrote a chapter filled with fruitful learning experiences. Within the blend of different cultures, they broke through their own limitations and witnessed their language skills evolving from being awkward to fluent, both in and out of the classroom.

The event opened with a warm video review that took the students back through their four - month learning journey. Huang Meixu, the director of the International Education Center, delivered the opening speech. She gave the students five "ones" and three "keys". The five "ones" included: taking a trip to a place in China, making a Chinese friend, learning a Chinese song, adopting a Chinese name, and learning how to cook a Chinese dish. The three "keys" are: to open the door to China, to connect with East China Normal University, and to unlock future dreams. No matter what career they pursue in the future, this experience at East China Normal University will continue to provide nourishment and help them embrace the vast world.

Sharing Comment and Experiences:

Matsuse Yuma from Class 1-3B and Angeline Natalie from Class 2-2B, as student representatives, shared their learning experiences. They spoke about participating in the China - chic cultural fair, cultural excursions, and the Chinese Character Contest. They also expressed their gratitude to the International Education Center's Chinese program. Yuma said, "In class, our teachers not only teach us the textbook knowledge but also often introduce interesting Chinese words, idioms, as well as Chinese culture and history. There was a class where we had the opportunity to present the meanings and origins of idioms. Through this activity, I learned a lot of idioms. Additionally, I found that many of these idioms are also used in my home country, Japan. This activity made me realize that Japan has been greatly influenced by China in terms of culture and language, which I found very interesting." Natalie said, "What we learn in class is not only Chinese knowledge. Our teachers have successfully integrated rich and profound Chinese culture into the teaching: from Tang Dynasty poetry to the special significance of traditional Chinese festivals; from the wise thoughts in ancient Chinese philosophy to the changes and development of modern Chinese society. Each class is like a key that opens the door to understanding China."

TA Hou Yifan reviewed the work and achievements of this semester. Her words conveyed her pride in the students' growth and her expectations for the future. She said these experiences have made her increasingly feel the beauty and harmony of cultural exchange.

Ms. Lin Nan, representing the teachers, expressed his good wishes for the students' future journey. He also gave them three pieces of advice: to keep "curiosity" about the Chinese language; to have "patience" in learning; and not to "worry" when encountering difficulties.

The talent show brought the closing ceremony to a climax. There were adapted songs such as "Teacher and Students on the Opposite Side" and a self - compiled "San Ju Ban". There were also wonderful performances like the song and dance "Love Me, Don't You," the song and dance "Su Mu Zhe", the class chorus "The Last Page," "Life Is More Than the Present Hardships," the fan dance "Ink - Rhythm Dance," and the recitation of "The Hard Way to Shu," among others. The stage was filled with interlaced lights, which harmonized with the students' excitement in the audience. The enthusiastic atmosphere filled every corner. The raffle also released everyone's vitality, bringing the closing ceremony to a peak in a lively and warm atmosphere.

Everyone held onto their boarding passes to the beautiful future. However, this time filled with laughter and sweat did not come to an end. The intellectual debates in the classroom and the pleasant surprises experienced in cultural activities have already become shining stars, forever twinkling in the river of memories. Every Chinese character learned and written is like adding a touch of Chinese color to one's life. May this Chinese hue accompany you over mountains and seas, help you achieve success, and become the composure and confidence in your future life.