I. Purpose and significance
In response to China's initiative to invite 50,000 American teenagers to study in China over the next five years, Zhejiang Dongfang Polytechnic will organize the "Ou · Cultural and Creative Journey" Summer School for Chinese and American college students. This program aims to strengthen China-US youth exchange and cooperation, promote friendly relations, and enhance cross-cultural understanding through activities like cultural dissemination, talent training, and language learning.
The summer school offers American students a valuable opportunity to experience Chinese culture, education, and technology firsthand, deepening their understanding of China's language, customs, and traditions. It also serves as a platform for cultural sharing and mutual learning, emphasizing the cultivation of cross-cultural communication skills and a global perspective. This helps American students understand globalization and diversification trends, preparing them for future international roles and contributing to the healthy development of Sino-US relations.
II. Project name: 2026 US College Students "Ou · Cultural and Creative Journey" Summer School
III. Organizer: Zhejiang Dongfang Polytechnic
Zhejiang Dongfang Polytechnic is a full-time general higher education institution directly under the Wenzhou Municipal People's Government and organized by Wenzhou Modern Service Industry Development Group Co., Ltd. Located in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, the college covers an area of nearly 1,000 mu and currently has four campuses: Binhai Campus, Yongjiang Campus, Jinzhu Campus, and Wencheng Campus. There are over 15,000 full-time students and more than 800 faculty and staff. The college consists of over 10 secondary teaching units, such as the School of Smart Health and Wellness,over 10 local colleges, like Wenzhou Social Work College, over10 teaching and research units, including Wenzhou Supply Chain Research Institute, the first domestic mixed-ownership company in vocational education-Wenzhou Yintian Digital Intelligence Talents Public Training Base Co., Ltd., as well as the First Affiliated Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and affiliated elderly care institutions.
IV. Personnel Size: 20 American Students
V. Time of the project: October 13th - October 19th, 2026, a total of 7 days
VI. Project introduction and features
The Summer School, with the mission of "Exploring Dong'ou's Intangible Cultural Heritage, Admiring Cultural Treasures, and Embracing the Elegance of Chinese Language," showcases Wenzhou's rich intangible cultural heritage and fosters cultural exchanges and mutual recognition between Chinese and American youth
(1) Traditional Cultural Experience: American students engaged in core Ou kiln processes—grouting, painting, glazing, and kiln loading—experiencing Wenzhou's heritage. Activities also included Ou Opera costume trials and Chinese calligraphy, allowing students to savor the unique charm of Ou Opera and the profound wisdom of Chinese culture.
(2) Intro to E-commerce Live Streaming: Utilizing the school's live streaming platform, American students drafted scripts, explored product displays, and learned interaction skills through simulated live streams, broadening horizons about digital economy trends.
(3) Chinese Language Learning: "Basics & Wenzhou Culture": Tailored for American students, this course focused on basic Chinese pronunciation and daily conversations, with interactive classes and language partnerships helping students quickly grasp pinyin and simple communication.
(4) High-tech Enterprise Visit & Cultural Bridges: Students explored Wenzhou's growth in biomedicine and smart manufacturing by visiting key firms, witnessing their commitment to industrial upgrading. City tours, including Yandang Mountain, allowed students to immerse themselves in Wenzhou's natural beauty.
VII. Fees: Zhejiang Dongfang Polytechnic will provide free training courses,
accommodation and meals during the stay in Wenzhou, and international travel expenses will be borne by the trainees themselves.
VIII. Registration Requirements: Applicants must be between the age of 18 and 30, in good physical and mental conditions, and have graduated from high school.Students hold the U.S. passport.
IX. Registration deadline: August 31, 2026.
X. Consultation Hotlines: +86-0577-86531080; +86-0577-86901661
XI. Registration：email your name and contact details to email: global_affairs@zjdfp.edu.cn
(Note: The organizing committee reserves the right to interpret the program.)
