From June 14–28, 2026, 15 students from Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius participated in a summer camp at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in Hangzhou. The summer camp provided Mauritian youth with a communication platform to gain an in-depth understanding of the Chinese language and culture as well as the social development.
The program combined Chinese language learning, cultural experiences, social investigation, and field visits to help students improve their Chinese proficiency and gain a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary China.
During the two-week camp, students attended Chinese language classes and experienced activities such as tea art, tie-dyeing, sachet (zongzi shape) making, and Peking Opera mask painting. Students also had the opportunity to visit some major cultural and historical sites, including the China National Silk Museum, West Lake, Hefang Street, China Academy of Art, Liangzhu Cultural Village, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The market research conducted in Hangzhou’s clothing industry and lectures on “Modern China” also enabled students to have a more comprehensive understanding of China's economic and social development achievements.
We have summarized some of the participants’ reflections of the summer camp in Hangzhou and here they are:
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“My exchange programme in China was my first time travelling abroad, and it was an experience I found very exciting from the beginning. Everything felt new, from the environment to the lifestyle, and it gave me first-hand perspective of Hangzhou, a city that is both modern, high tech-driven, and very green with its trees, parks, and natural areas that make the environment feel calm and balanced. Overall, this exchange programme was an exciting and valuable experience. It remains a memorable experience that I will carry forward.” Tanushree Neeloo BSc(Hons) Microbiology, Year 4, UoM |
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“My summer camp was a memorable experience. I learned so much about China and I was amazed about how they still hold on to their traditions despite being such a modern, advanced and high-tech country. The classes at the camp were engaging and interactive. We learned about Chinese language, history, and culture through group activities, presentations, and discussions. The teachers encouraged participation, making the lessons really enjoyable. This experience helped me realize that even a small amount of language knowledge can be very useful in real-life situations. It also motivated me to keep learning Chinese so I can communicate more easily in the future.” Marie Gwenaelle Oceane Moutou BSc(Hons) Industrial Biotechnology, Year 2, UoM |
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“This summer exchange programme allowed me to discover a new part of the world, experience a different culture, and study at one of the leading universities in China. It was an enriching experience that helped me grow both personally and academically. The classes were interactive, engaging, and enjoyable and, helped improve our Chinese speaking skills. The activities were well planned and gave us valuable insights into Chinese culture and university life. It also strengthened my adaptability, independence, and appreciation for cultural diversity. I will always be thankful for this opportunity and the unforgettable memories I made in Hangzhou.” Marie Amel Séréna Laviolette BSc(Hons) Tourism Hospitality and Events Management, Year 2, UoM |
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“This summer camp was an experience I will never forget. The Chinese and culture classes were fun and exciting. We made Dragon Boat Festival sachets, tried tie-dyeing, painted Peking Opera masks, and even learned about tea making. We visited the China National Silk Museum, walked along beautiful West Lake, explored lively Hefang Street and wandered along the charming old streets of the Grand Canal. Every place we went was beautiful and taught me something new. Looking back, it was more than just a summer camp. I made new friends, learned a new language, discovered a beautiful culture, and grew as a person. Hangzhou showed me so much, and I am thankful for every moment. I leave Hangzhou with a heart full of beautiful memories.” Darshini Rampertab BSc(Hons) Statistics and Data Analytics, Year 1, UoM |
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“The programme was an enriching experience that allowed me to learn more about Chinese culture, language and education. We attended interactive Chinese language classes conducted in a very supportive and encouraging manner. We also took part in role-playing activities, which helped improve our speaking skills and increased our confidence in communicating in Chinese. The cultural activities were the highlights of the programme and were highly enjoyable, engaging and gave us a deeper appreciation of Chinese traditions and craftsmanship. The exchange programme was indeed a memorable and valuable experience.” Keshika Devi Jeetoo BSc(Hons) Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Year 2, UoM |
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“My summer camp in China was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always treasure. I experienced the rich Chinese culture, and met so many kind and welcoming people. Every day brought something new, from visiting breathtaking places and learning about Chinese traditions to improving my Mandarin through daily interactions. This journey helped me grow in confidence, broaden my perspective, and create unforgettable memories with new friends. Leaving China is bittersweet, but I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity and I hope to return one day.” Izdihaar Ibnay Sahood Khodabuccus BSc(Hons) Tourism Hospitality and Events Management, Year 1, UoM |
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“The camp offered a variety of engaging hands-on activities that enabled us to experience Chinese culture in a meaningful way. Wearing traditional Hanfu attire and tasting authentic Chinese cuisine further enriched our cultural experience. Beyond the classroom, what made the programme truly special was the warmth and kindness of the teachers and staff. Their friendliness, dedication, and genuine care created a welcoming environment that made us feel at home throughout our stay. We return home with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture, and great admiration for China’s impressive technological and innovative achievements.” Eshana Mungla BSc(Hons) Finance, Year 2, UoM |
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“My summer camp to China was an incredible journey of learning, discovery, and profound cultural connection. Over these two weeks, through engaging activities, visits, and lessons, I have been able to improve my language skills and broaden my horizons by exploring historic landmarks, local museums, and vibrant street markets. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself in local traditions, experience Chinese culture first-hand through tea ceremonies and local crafts, and build heart-warming, lasting friendships with both my peers and the Chinese locals I met along the way. Thanks to their incredible warmth and care, China truly felt like a home away from home, leaving me with immense personal growth and memories I will cherish forever!” Manishika Madeeha Pandea BSc (Hons) Finance (Minor Law), Year 3, UoM |
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“Participating in the summer camp at ZSTU, Hangzhou was an enriching experience that allowed me to grow both academically and personally. Through engaging lectures, cultural activities, and interactions with other students, I gained valuable knowledge and formed lasting friendships. By interacting with local people, my Mandarin also improved, as I had many opportunities to practice speaking and better understand everyday communication. One of the highlights was experiencing Chinese culture first-hand through the traditional tea ceremony, exploring Hangzhou, and trying authentic local cuisine. These experiences deepened my appreciation of China’s rich heritage and made the cultural exchange truly memorable.” Shagun Gobin BSc (Hons) Finance (Minor Law), Year 3, UoM |
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“This exchange programme has been a really fruitful experience for me. I have made great progress and grown, not just in my Chinese studies, but also personally. I was able to gain more confidence and even made new friends. I was able to interact with lots of Chinese people, experience the culture and even the daily life here. We also had really great teachers to teach and guide us through our stay here. We really appreciate their hard work, patience and constant care, ensuring that our stay is smooth and enjoyable. These two weeks has left me with so much precious memories. This has really been an amazing opportunity for me to learn and connect.” Uroosa Bibi Choonee BSc (Hons) Finance (Minor Law), Year 3, UoM |
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“The language barrier had been a challenge, as I expected. What I didn’t expect was the kindness of the people who offered to help after seeing us struggle. They would try to find the English words as best as they could or swiftly pull out translator apps without making us feel out of place. What was more wonderful were the small compliments on my Chinese, which made me more confident to speak more and rely less on apps, unless absolutely necessary. An exchange of few words sometimes works wonders without the need for flowery language. I now aspire to get better at Chinese and hopefully be fluent enough so that when I come back, I am at home!” Tanya Roshni Raghubar BSc (Hons) Computer Science, Year 2, UoM |
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“My summer camp in Hangzhou was an unforgettable experience, and I enjoyed every second of it. One of the highlights was communicating with the local people, which inspired me to continue learning Mandarin and improve my language skills. I also had the opportunity to try many delicious Chinese dishes, each with its own unique and authentic flavor. Throughout the camp, I learned a lot about Chinese culture, created unforgettable memories, and met many amazing people. This experience has strengthened my interest in Chinese language and culture, and I hope to visit Hangzhou again in the future.” Rithika Luchmun BSc (Hons) Applied Computing, Year 2, UoM |
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“Overall, my two weeks in Hangzhou were filled with unforgettable experiences, meaningful learning opportunities, and lasting memories. The trip strengthened my appreciation for Chinese culture, allowed me to build new friendships, develop new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of a country I have long admired. I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity, and this experience has left a lasting impact on me. I sincerely hope to return to China one day to continue exploring its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and incredible people. It is a journey I will always cherish.” Anshika Bohorun BSc(Hons) Tourism Hospitality and Events Management, Year 2, UoM |
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“Participating in the Summer Camp was a truly enriching and unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Chinese culture through classes, cultural activities, and visits to historical landmarks. Experiencing China’s traditions, history, and way of life first-hand gave me a much deeper appreciation of the country’s rich cultural heritage and remarkable development. Each cultural visit offered a unique perspective on China’s history and traditions, making the experience both educational and inspiring. Beyond the cultural experiences, I built meaningful friendships, share learning and travelling experiences, discovered a new place, created unforgettable memories and strengthened our bonds. I will always treasure this unique experience.” Bhavesha Cunniah BSc (Hons) Accounting with Finance, Year 2, UTM |
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“This summer camp was nothing like what I expected, from the moment we landed in China till the very last moment we departed, my expectations were constantly being exceeded. Each day in China was a wow moment. For me, China has always been this magical place to explore and experience. From the delicious food to the fashionable dress styles, China has always been a great source of inspiration for me. The rich culture and language is something that I learn more about and cherish forever. It was an incredible experience that has helped me grow in various aspects of my life. It has been a great honor and privilege to be part of this incredible journey. I will forever cherish the memories and experience gained. Until next time, Zhong guo!” Yehsha Boyjoo BSc(Hons) Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Year 2, UoM |
