From 28 June to 7 July 2026, twelve students from Stellenbosch University (SU) participated in the XMU 2026 Global Youth Cultural Exchange Summer Camp, hosted by Xiamen University (XMU) in China. Selected through the Department of Modern Foreign Languages and the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU), the student cohort represented the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Public Leadership.
Renowned as on of China’s leading universities and widely celebrated for having on of the country’s most beautiful campuses, Xiamen University welcomed outstanding young participants from around the world to its Siming Campus for a ten-day programme of academic learning and cultural exchange.
The opening welcome ceremony took place at the Kunluan Building on XMU’s Xiang’an Campus, gathering 110 participants representing 39 local and international institutions across 26 countries. For many SU participants, stepping onto campus was the fulfilment of a long-held dream. BA Humanities student Angela Jasmine Forbes recalled her initial impressions of Xiamen:
“It has been my dream to go to China for as long as I can remember, and now I finally had the opportunity to fulfill it. Xiamen is a breathtaking, quaint city with friendly people and lekker vibes! This was my first time trying proper Chinese food at the campus canteen, and all I can say is that it was 非常好吃 (very delicious)!”
The camp offered a dynamic itinerary covering campus exploration, technological innovation, and hands-on exposure to China’s rich cultural heritage. Participants visited Xiamen, one of China’s pioneer Special Economic Zones, and the historic city of Quanzhou to gain direct insight into China’s rapid economic advancement and ancient traditions.
Throughout the camp, students engaged in classic cultural activities, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tai Chi, tea tasting, calligraphy, and traditional gongbi fan painting. Programme highlights included lectures on state-of-the-art technological innovation, attending a traditional Quanzhou string puppet performance, and getting up close with cutting-edge robotics on campus.
The SU participants made a lasting impression on the organisers as well. XMU staff noted that the South African students went out of their way to assist other international participants upon arrival, helping carry luggage and fostering a welcoming, joyful atmosphere that set the tone for the entire camp.
As the ten days came to a close, the sentiment among the participants was one of gratitude for the warmth of their hosts and the lifelong friendships formed. Capturing the lasting impact of the experience, Keenan Athinio Damons from the Department of Modern Foreign Languages reflected on how the journey broadened his horizon:
“From the very first day arriving on the beautiful Siming Campus, the warmth was so palpable, every teacher, student, and person we met embodied kindness and helpfulness. Every day brought new experiences, new faces, and unforgettable memories. The camp exceeded my expectations by far; it has truly been a life-changing experience. Xiamen has opened my eyes to the beauty, cultural richness, and diversity that China has to offer.”
The CISU remains dedicated to fostering academic collaboration, cultural understanding, and lasting connections between South Africa and China. Flagship initiatives like the annual Chinese Bridge study tour select top-performing students, particularly those demonstrating proficiency through the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), to gain firsthand international experience.
Looking ahead, CISU will continue to create high-quality exchange opportunities that empower SU students to broaden their global perspectives, build international friendships, and connect across borders.