Student competes in Beijing language contest

York student Mark Quan, who learned Chinese through York International’s second-language study courses, took to it so well he was selected one of the 16 international contestants to participate in the finals of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students held July 16 in Beijing, China.

Left: Mark Quan (right) and an unidentified fellow competitor on stage during judges’ questioning

The contest is organized by the China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. Contestants are university or college students from outside of China with an interest in learning about Chinese language and culture. This is the first time a York student has made it to the final competition, which follows a series of preliminary rounds within and outside China.

After completing Elementary Modern Standard Chinese in 2004, Quan took the summer study abroad course York offers with Fudan University in Shanghai. During this Chinese immersion course, Quan not only learned the language quickly but also felt deeply attracted to China’s ancient culture.

The Chinese Bridge competition acts to promote enthusiasm for studying Chinese language and culture among university students around the world. Now in its fourth year, this year’s competition featured participants from 43 countries.

York’s summer study abroad course in Chinese language and culture is offered in cooperation with Fudan University. The course consists of three weeks of study at York’s Keele campus, followed by three weeks of study in Shanghai. Students also take part in organized cultural excursions in China when they are not in class.

For more information about this study abroad course and others offered through York visit the York International Web site.

This article was submitted to YFile by Rob Read, Web communications & publications assistant in the Office of the Associate Vice-President International.