University of Widya Kartika Surabaya (UWIKA), in collaboration with the Government of China and Chongqing Normal University China, held Chongqing Winter Camp on December 19 to 30, 2013, which was run in Chongqing City, China. The event was organized so that its participants would have better understanding about the history of culture, customs, and Mandarin language. This event was attended by approximately 80 participants with 12-23 years age from various countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, America, Sri Lanka, and many more. Moreover, the participants were also invited to know the other participants from other countries.
Indonesia sent 21 participants in this winter camp (8 from Surabaya, 2 from Jakarta, 8 from Jogjakarta, and 3 from Purwokerto) accompanied by 4 teachers. These people got the opportunity to learn more about the culture of China, such as calligraphy, dance, Wushu (martial art), and paper cutting. In addition, they were also invited to explore the Chinese language further with the expectation that they would be able to use Mandarin more proficiently after they went back from the winter camp. Not only learning in courses, the participants were also invited to join a city tour to various places in Chongqing to see the city’sdevelopment and enjoy Chinese food. Besides that, this time the participants could enjoy the snow on the mountains and meet directly with original animal from China, Panda.
The winter camp was closed with a dance performance from UWIKA’s students who were studying in in Chongqing Normal University. “The winter camp program is very interesting.Participants only paid for tickets and visas. All accommodations, transportation, meals, tours, and learning activities, had been covered by the Chinese government. Winter camp is held every year because there are many enthusiastic people who want to join but the place is very limited.” said Ong Peter Leonardo, The head of UWIKA’s Chinese Department, accompanying the winter camp participants from UWIKA.***