Published on: 2026-09-30
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“Relying only on news and textbooks, it’s difficult to truly understand China and Chinese students,” Stephanie Lobodanescu, a student at the American University, noted enthusiastically after a trip to Shandong Province. She added that the best way for exchange between American and Chinese youth is for both sides to create opportunities for personal communication and mutual learning for students from both countries.
In early September, a series of thematic youth exchanges between China and the United States called “Learning in the Homeland of Confucius, Writing a New Chapter of Friendship” took place in Qufu (Shandong Province). More than 100 young teachers and students from 10 American universities, including Harvard University, the University of Chicago, American University, and Central Michigan University, visited the homeland of Confucius and interacted with students of Qufu Normal University.
Andriana Atef Farag, a student at Saint Peter University, said that American and Chinese students should engage in cultural exchanges more often, build communication bridges, and strengthen ties between the cultures of the two countries. During this trip, she gained a lot of new knowledge and will definitely share her impressions with family and friends upon returning.
Madilynn Boerger, a student at Central Michigan University, believes that youth exchanges between the United States and China should be based on openness and a willingness to listen to each other — this is how one can truly experience the similarities and differences of cultures in real life. Ainsley Kristine Reigler, a student from the same university, also considers openness and mutual learning the key to youth exchanges between the US and China. She gave her example: earlier this year, she lived in a youth hostel with several Chinese girls and still keeps in touch with them on social networks. “Whether offline exchange programs or online interaction — all of these are effective ways to promote communication.”
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.