Originally from Kiamusze in in northeast China, Xinyuan is enrolled in the International Chinese Language Education program. This academic year, she will be spending two semesters (approximately nine months) in Sweden at Dalarna University, during which time she will be combining studies with hands-on teaching experience.
“I came here to learn more about teaching Chinese and to gain practical experience in a real classroom setting,” she explains. “This internship will give me the chance to assist teachers, work with students, and also take some university courses.”
Among the courses she will be taking are Basic Swedish as a Second Language I, Children’s and Young Adult Literature in English, and Chinese: Internship for Teaching in Higher Education I. The internship role is varied and collaborative, and will involve working with several instructors and departments.
Currently residing in Britsen, Falun, Xinyuan shared her first impressions of Sweden:
“It has a lot of natural scenery, and every house is designed to be very beautiful.”
Beyond professional development, the exchange will also be a cultural experience.
“I think I will learn a lot from my time here. I can learn about the languages and cultures of different countries and how to get along with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and I will build friendships. I can acquire a lot of knowledge about Chinese teaching, which can be applied in my future studies and work. Of course, I will also learn many daily expressions in Swedish, and my English will improve as well.”
Xinyuan’s stay is an example of a valuable cultural and academic exchange that strengthens international collaboration and offers mutual learning opportunities for students and staff alike.