Feature: Confucius Institute's Open Day sparks students' enthusiasm to learn Chinese

VALLETTA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- "I can't wait to start learning Chinese," Alexandra Ali Rashed, a freshman of the University of Malta, told Xinhua when attending an Open Day hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta on Thursday.

"Chinese culture is really interesting. I hope to have the opportunity to visit China like senior students in the future," he said.

The Open Day was held at the library of the Confucius Institute. For most of the students, it was their first time to get to know Chinese language and culture in such an engaging occasion.

During the event, they not only experienced various Chinese traditional programs, such as making Chinese tea and watching a bamboo flute performance, but also enjoyed the stories of seniors who had spent the "Chinese Bridge" summer camp in China this year.

Ylenia Coleiro, a third-year student majoring in Chinese at the university, showcased her photos taken in China during the summer camp.

"I had gotten so used to always hearing Chinese around me that my listening skills improved," she told Xinhua, adding that "I couldn't wait to start lessons again, so I could practice, learn and grow my skills, so I can go back to China."

Francesco Gellel, a sophomore who began Chinese learning a year ago, told Xinhua that his trip to China was enlightening, and he liked Chinese food very much.

"It (the trip) helped me improve my Chinese speaking and comprehension skills. It also gave me a peek into a bit of China's culture," he said.

Dennis Mizzi, the foreign director of the Confucius Institute, said the institute organizes various social events to promote Chinese culture and also has established various classes to teach Chinese language.

Nie Aixia, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, said that the Open Day has been a tradition at the institute, which is held at the beginning of each academic year.

She expressed her hope that the event would present the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture to university freshmen through interactive activities.

Sun Yi, a teacher at the Confucius Institute, said that through participating in the Open Day, many students develop a keen interest in Chinese culture and the language.

During the event, many students asked about how to apply for Chinese courses. Rashed signed himself in on the spot.