Ateneo Confucius Institute organizes study tour to China for school administrators

From 13 to 19 August 2023, the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University, together with the Center for Language and Education Cooperation (CLEC), organized the School Leaders Group: Understanding China Study Tour. This tour for educators and administrators was organized with the aim of promoting academic excellence through fostering cross-cultural engagement and initiating dynamic exchange of ideas between educational institutions from the Philippines and China.

This activity brought together school leaders and administrators in a week-long exploration of education and culture. The tour served as a platform for academic dialogues with various Chinese universities, facilitating insightful discussions on educational methodologies and fostering collaborative partnerships between educators.

The delegation was graciously received by the Philippines Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jaime FlorCruz at the Philippine Embassy. The ambassador spoke to the delegates to emphasize the importance of the relationship between the Philippines and China and encouraged them to discover ways to enhance and strengthen this relationship through education.

They also had the privilege of visiting some of China's most esteemed educational institutions, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Beijing Normal University. The group also visited institutions such as the Center for Language and Education Cooperation, and the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies.

At the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, they attended a symposium headed by Deputy Director Rong Peijing, Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center Deputy Director Tong Xiaoying, and the director of the Teaching Department Ms Wei Lixin. In the symposium, the officials and delegates explored possible partnerships for the teaching of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Philippines.

Additionally, the delegation also embarked on a cultural journey, visiting iconic sites that showcased China's rich history. They visited the Great Wall of China at Badaling, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Confucius Temple, and Tiananmen Square. They also walked through the vibrant hutong alleys, Shichahai, and Yandai. Finally, they visited the modern marvels of the Olympic Park – The Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube.

The School Leaders Group: Understanding China Study Tour hopes to use the power of academic exchange and cross-cultural interaction to promote mutual understanding and pave the way for stronger connections and collaborations between the Philippines and China in the realm of education.

The delegates were:

1. Violet Valdez, PhD (Ateneo Center for Asian Studies)
2. Jely Galang, PhD (University of the Philippines)
3. Ann Avis Ong (Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu)
4. Angelo Marco Lacson (De La Salle - College of St Benilde)
5. Agnes Beatrice Silva (Far Eastern University)
6. Roman Sarmiento Jr II (Far Eastern University)
7. Fr Georgekutty Kochuchakkalackal, PhD (Far Eastern University)
8. Stephen Basa Ong Cheng (Far Eastern University)
9. Dr Tan Cho Chiong (Far Eastern University - NRMF)
10. Liza Libertine Magana (Commission on Higher Education)
11. Joseph Lou Sta Teresa (Commission on Higher Education)