Jinan Foreign Language School Successfully Hosts Visit from Lycée Zola, Rennes, France
From March 19th to 25th, a delegation of teachers and students from Lycée Zola in Rennes, Brittany, France, paid a week-long friendly visit to Jinan Foreign Language School.
Rennes, the capital city of Brittany, maintains friendly relations with Jinan, with Lycée Zola being a sister school of Jinan Foreign Language School. Since the establishment of this sisterly bond in 2001, the two schools have engaged in over twenty friendly exchanges.
On the afternoon of March 19th, Mr. Jean-françois LAMACHE, the Principal of Lycée Zola, along with representatives of teachers and students, arrived at Jinan Foreign Language School. The school held a grand welcome ceremony to greet the French visitors warmly.
Over the years, the two schools have maintained close ties and deep friendships, both eager to strengthen cooperation and exploration in the field of education through such exchanges. Mr. LAMACHE expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by our school, emphasizing the significance of this visit for both institutions and personally for him. He looked forward to future cooperation and eagerly anticipated reciprocal visits from our school's faculty and students.
Subsequently, the French students enthusiastically shared their impressions of China upon their arrival, expressing gratitude for the thoughtful arrangements made by Jinan Foreign Language School and host families. They showcased their appreciation by singing the Chinese song "Descendants of the Dragon" and reciting the poem "Quiet Night Thoughts" in Chinese.
Both schools exchanged commemorative gifts, with Mr. Lin Baolei presenting "Autumn Scenery of Magpies and Flowers" on behalf of our school to Lycée Zola. In contrast, Mr. LAMACHE, representing Rennes and Lycée Zola, presented commemorative gifts to our school.
On the morning of March 20th, accompanied by students and teachers of Jinan Foreign Language School, the delegation from Lycée Zola visited the beautiful campus. To experience authentic Chinese classrooms, French students directly participated in our classes, learning alongside Chinese students. They observed physics, mathematics, and Chinese language classes, showing great enthusiasm and curiosity. They attentively listened, actively participated in class discussions, and engaged in problem-solving activities with their Chinese counterparts.
In order to deepen the friendship between students from both sides and promote mutual understanding of each other's cultures, French and Chinese high school students engaged in interactive sessions. French students shared their knowledge of China acquired from textbooks, followed by question-and-answer sessions where they exchanged cultural knowledge with Chinese students. The atmosphere was relaxed and lively as students from both countries sat together, fostering camaraderie.
After lunch, French teachers and students joined a Chinese martial arts class at Jinan Foreign Language School's Jingwei Square. Led by teacher Jin Bingying, students performed various martial arts forms such as Yang-style Tai Chi, Chen-style Tai Chi, Tai Chi sword, saber techniques, and partnered swordplay. Subsequently, under Jin's guidance, Chinese and French students learned a segment of Chinese martial arts together. French teachers demonstrated their proficiency in martial arts, engaging in exchanges with Jin.
In addition to classroom learning, Jinan Foreign Language School arranged a series of cultural experience activities for French students. Printmaking, as an art form, holds a rich history and tradition in China. Therefore, learning printmaking under the guidance of teacher Xu Runhao provided a unique experience for French students, aiding them in better understanding and appreciating Chinese art and culture.
During the calligraphy class in the afternoon, French students displayed great interest. After Sun Jinjin, the teacher explained the evolution history and different styles of Chinese calligraphy and demonstrated the writing of the character “Fu” (meaning “good fortune”); everyone eagerly attempted to write the character after several practices, with nearly everyone achieving a complete and elegant rendition of “Fu.”
During leisure time, Ma Yandong, a teacher, organized a friendly soccer match between the Jinan Foreign Language School's soccer team and the French students. Both sides exhibited teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship throughout the match, running, attacking, and defending vigorously yet amicably. The spirited atmosphere saw enthusiastic cheers from spectators, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship and fostering friendship between Chinese and French students.
On March 21st, accompanied by French language teachers from Jinan Foreign Language School, the delegation visited Qufu, the hometown of Confucius. As a demonstration site for teaching Chinese language and culture in the Brittany region, Lycée Zola's teachers value Chinese language and cultural courses. They learn Chinese, study Confucianism, admire Confucius, and eagerly anticipate visiting the "Three Confucian Sites,” entering the "Apricot Altar" from over two thousand years ago, and experiencing the atmosphere of ancient education.
Walking on the millennium-old stone road, touching the dragon head stone carvings symbolizing "dispelling worries and bringing happiness,” crossing the threshold of "receiving blessings and auspiciousness,” facing the statue of Confucius with reverence, and attentively listening to the sage's life story, every Chinese character written as a mark of respect for the language and culture of the Chinese nation!
As spring blossoms in myriad hues, Shandong's scenery is picturesque. On March 22nd, accompanied by the gentle spring breeze, 34 teachers and students from Lycée Zola, Rennes, visited the urban area of Jinan for a spring outing. They visited scenic spots such as Baotu Spring, Five Dragon Pool, and Daming Lake, experiencing the unique charm of Jinan for the first time.
In the morning, the French delegation arrived at the Five Dragon Pool, one of Jinan's seventy-two springs. At the entrance stood five dragon sculptures, symbolizing auspiciousness as they spouted spring water streams. Turning a corner, they encountered a square where elderly people were practicing square dancing, piquing the interest of teachers and students. They joined in, dancing happily, even performing a particular segment of "Ascending Spring Mountain.”
They also witnessed a performance by the Chaoyang Longtan Chorus, with Jinan locals warmly interacting with their French friends, welcoming them with songs. In return, the French guests performed the beautiful French song “Les Champs-Elysées" and sang "Descendants of the Dragon" with the choir. They also tried various traditional Chinese musical instruments, experiencing the breadth and inclusiveness of Chinese music.
Amidst the willow trees and the vibrant spring, fish swim in the springs, and birds sing harmoniously. With a gentle breeze and gurgling springs, it's the perfect time to visit the spring city, where the clear water welcomes the spring sunshine. French students from Lycée Zola visited Baotu Spring, a popular attraction. Despite the crowded scenery, they remained enthusiastic, enjoying the springs, tasting local delicacies, and having fun. Mr. LAMACHE, the principal of Lycée Zola, also took photos at Baotu Spring, capturing the beauty of the trip.
After lunch, accompanied by a French teacher from Jinan Foreign Language School, teachers and students from Zuola Middle School visited Daming Lake Scenic Area, strolling by the lake in the spring breeze, experiencing the charm of spring in the City of Springs. A Chinese teacher from Zuola Middle School sang the Chinese folk song "Jasmine Flower" while resting at the Yue Pavilion, his melodious voice echoing by the lakeside of Daming Lake. French students enthusiastically selected souvenirs featuring the characteristics of Jinan in a souvenir shop, commemorating their unforgettable trip to Jinan.
On the morning of Monday, March 25th, the French partners who had spent a colorful weekend with host families were about to leave. Spring rain was gentle, and the grass was turning green. Teachers and students from Jinan Foreign Language School took photos with their French friends in the library, bidding farewell and wishing them a safe journey home. Mr. Lamache, the principal of Zuola Middle School, expressed his gratitude to Principal Lin Baolei and other leaders and teachers. He emphasized that our carefully designed visit arrangements allowed them to understand Chinese culture better. This visit has brought them discoveries and reflections on China and new ideas for Chinese language and cultural education. They hope to have more opportunities for exchange, allowing teachers and students from both schools to explore and progress together. Through this "immersive experience," they can perceive the Chinese people’s real life and vibrant national culture.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, this visit not only enhanced the communication and cooperation between Jinan Foreign Language School and Zuola Middle School in France but also contributed to Sino-French friendship. Chinese and French youth should inherit the "Sino-French spirit" of independence, mutual understanding, foresight, and win-win cooperation from generation to generation. It is hoped that the young students of both schools can uphold this spirit, maintain lasting friendships, strive for progress, and continue to make strides forward.
（Li Xiaotong; Liang Ruixin; Hua Shan; Yuan Yuhua; Hou Yawen; Gong Lili; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Yang Yang; Chong Yaqi; Yuan Yaning; Xu Jiayi; Liu Lu; Li Jiayin; Han Wenzhi; Wang Xi; Wang Yuquan; Zhou Yiru; Zhang Juanyi；Zhang Kaiyang; Zhou Nan; Zhang Xun; Liu Qianying; Chen Zeyu; Li Ziyue）
