International students of Chinese language program The Mandarin Bridge gathered along Suzhou Creek over the weekend for a language and cultural exchange event, putting their classroom Mandarin into practice in a real-world setting.

Held at the Half Marathon Suzhou Creek Station Party and Community Service Center, the event was organized by City News Service following the conclusion of its 2025 public welfare Chinese language courses.

By combining language interaction, cultural experiences and community engagement, the program aimed to help international learners apply their Chinese skills in daily life while strengthening their sense of belonging in the city.

During the event, participants took part in Chinese-language sharing sessions, interactive quizzes based on classroom content, guided tours along the Suzhou Creek waterfront, and a hands-on cultural workshop creating traditional flowing sand art.

Clarissa Olivia, a participant from Indonesia, said she joined the program last year after receiving a recommendation from a friend and noted that learning basic Mandarin had greatly improved her daily life.

"Now I can at least have basic conversations, such as ordering food, talking to Didi drivers, or communicating with service staff. It really helps me live more comfortably in Shanghai," she said.

Olivia added that learning Chinese has also supported her professional development. She is engaged in overseas renewable energy business, including solar panels, battery systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.

"With basic Mandarin, I can communicate with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers more easily. It also helps during my business trips around China," she said, noting that learning the language has allowed her to reconnect with her Chinese cultural roots.

Another student representative, Dzhennet-Mari Akhmatova from Russia, shared that she discovered the program through Shanghai Daily channels and applied immediately.

"I saw the announcement and decided to seize this opportunity. I really fell in love with this experience and wanted to improve my Chinese," she said.

Akhmatova explained that learning Chinese has enhanced her cross-cultural communication skills. "I practice Chinese with my friends, and sometimes I even help people with directions in Shanghai. I try to use Chinese when ordering coffee or in daily situations," she said, adding that the program helped her meet new people and build friendships.

Teachers involved in the program also highlighted the deeper significance of Chinese language education in cross-cultural exchange. Nancy Lee, a Chinese-language teacher who previously lived and worked in New York for nearly two decades, said she was deeply moved when she learned about the program and decided to join as a volunteer.

"Many foreigners still don't really understand China, and that often leads to stereotypes," Li pointed out. "Chinese may be difficult to learn, but behind the language is a history of more than 5,000 years. Helping students stay with the language and understand the culture is incredibly meaningful to me."

She added that the program provides a valuable platform for both teaching and mutual understanding. "I sometimes feel I discovered this project too late, but as long as we start, it's never too late. I'm more than willing to contribute whatever I can."

Another teacher Chen Ye recalled working with a postdoctoral student from India who initially struggled due to cultural differences.

"After realizing his concerns and learning goals, I adjusted the teaching approach and lowered the difficulty to better match his level," Chen explained. "Once the method changed, he quickly became more engaged and confident. That's when real progress happens."