On the morning of August 6, the 2024 “Encounter with Chinese Language and Exploration of Chinese Culture” Chinese Language Teachers’ Workshop, organized by Henan Overseas Friendship Association and co-organized by Henan University, commenced at Henan University. The workshop welcomed 80 Chinese language teachers representing 52 Chinese language education institutions across 22 countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Canada, Russia, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Laos. Yang Sanzhong, Vice President of Henan Overseas Friendship Association, Fu Shenglei, Vice President of Henan University, officials from the International Affairs Office, leaders of the International School for Chinese Language and Culture, and related personnel attended the opening ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Runling Wang, a standing director of the Henan Overseas Friendship Association.

Shenglei Fu delivered the welcome address first. On behalf of Henan University, he extended a warm welcome to all participants and shared the century-long history of Henan University and its current development under the “Double Aircraft Carrier” strategy. He highlighted that Henan University boasts extensive experience in Chinese language education and a strong faculty, leveraging these advantages to continuously contribute to the province’s Chinese language education efforts and establish a new pinnacle for Henan Province’s Chinese language education.

Sanzhong Yang extended his welcome to all participants who traveled great distances to Henan and expressed his respect for their unwavering dedication and efforts in the field of Chinese language education. He introduced the new achievements of Henan’s openness to the outside world and its profound cultural heritage, as well as how the Henan Overseas Friendship Association utilizes its resource advantages to actively support Chinese language education. He hoped that this workshop would serve as an opportunity for the Chinese language teachers to further enhance teaching quality, better promote and propagate excellent Chinese culture, and foster mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations.

The workshop spans 14 days and covers 20 topics over 60 class hours. The School of International Chinese Studies places high importance on this mission and has formed a work team led by the school’s principal leaders. After careful planning and meticulous design, a team of instructors was selected, including top domestic experts familiar with overseas Chinese language education and international Chinese education, who possess frontline teaching experience and classroom management skills. The curriculum is customized to meet the practical needs of overseas Chinese language teachers, focusing on topics such as “Chinese Language+ Vocational Education,” “Smart + Chinese Language Education,” “Management of Primary and Secondary School Classroom Teaching,” “Flipped Classroom Teaching Practice,” and “Face-to-Face with Frontline Primary and Secondary School Teachers” for teaching and practical activities.

Moreover, the workshop will take participants to explore cultural heritage like Kaifeng Embroidery, Shaolin Temple at Songshan Mountain, and Longmen Grottoes, allowing them to personally experience and appreciate the profound charm of Central Plains culture and the Yellow River civilization.