Enriching lives through language and culture exchang
The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) welcomed two new Chinese teachers for the year 2025. The Institute welcomes new teachers each year, as part of the collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Jinan University (Guangzhou, China). The programme grants Chinese teachers time to come to South Africa to teach South African students about the Chinese language and culture. The new teachers are Ms Jodie Huijuan Zhang and Ms Li Ling. Both teachers indicated that they had read about this programme from the internet.
“I read about this programme from the internet and that made me realise that this is a great opportunity for me to do something I am passionate about,” Ms Jodie Huijuan Zhang said. In the efforts to promote language and cultural exchange, the collaboration between the two Universities allow Chinese teachers the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures. “It is important for people to learn other languages and cultures, to see the different world from their own,” Ms Ling shared. Presented with the opportunity to pursue her passion, Ms Zhang believes that knowledge exchange is important as it also grants people the opportunity to meet and engage with diverse individuals. “Teaching broadens your perspective about other cultures, she said.
Ms Zhang lectures Chinese Studies 1 and the Chinese Studies Honours class. While Ms Ling lectures Chinese Studies 1. Ms Zhang complimented her students by stating that she was impressed with their willingness to learn Chinese language and culture. “I am teaching smart students who are also fast learners. They have shown willingness to learn and they are doing well”. Sharing the same sentiments, Ms Ling said, “the students here can express themselves and they have shown so much interest in learning Chinese language and culture, and that for me is good inspiration”.
Ms Zhang shared that her experience with the Makhanda community and Rhodes University has been amasing and this has created a sense of belonging for her. “Through teaching, I want to make a difference in people’s lives, and I have had a great experience so far. Everyone is friendly and welcoming,” she added. With a smile on her face, Ms Ling shared that, “I have been here for a month and my experience has been nothing short of amasing. The people in Makhanda are welcoming, others would greet in Chinese when they see me”.
Both teachers expressed so much gratitude for the support and warm welcome they received from the Director of the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University, Professor Patrice Mwepu.
By Zindzi Nkunzi