“Ok everyone, let’s now take a picture altogether. Yi, er, san!”

It was my dream to go to China. I remember the day that I came across a free online course that urged me to give it a try. The Chinese language always fascinated me even though at that time I would admit I didn’t know much about its particularities. Mandarin, Cantonese, Hu dialect and many more. Nor about the structure of this mysterious, difficult but simultaneously attractive and appealing language. I dived into the course and instantly felt its renewing and mind blowing powers. I realized I had found a new treasure. I had not only felt that this was an edifying endeavour but moreover, it filled my heart with enjoyment. This is the key to success in many aspects in life; to combine knowledge with delight and pleasure.

July 7th, 2019 and there I was with a group of Greek teachers visiting Beijing, some for the second time and some of us had just experienced its baptismal blessing. At the arrivals hall, two young Chinese teachers, Lily and Moriaty, were waiting to welcome us and transfer us to our accommodation. It was done. Two years after that trial course I was visiting China with a scholarship program sponsored by Confucius Institute Headquarters, with the invaluable help and recommendation of my Chinese teachers in Greece at Hong Long Chinese Language School, to study Mandarin and enhance my knowledge on the Chinese culture. The BICC Summer 2019 Overseas Teachers’ Training Program which included the participation of 16 countries worldwide: Nepal, Afghanistan, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Hungary, Israel, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Mexico, Austria, Greece, Malaysia. A new exhilarating adventure had just commenced. ‘Namaste!’ as our friends from Nepal greeted us but as we in Greece also say with a different meaning: ‘Here we are!’.

We were appointed shared rooms with participants from other countries which made this even more exciting and also given a two day adapting period to relax and recharge for the coming weeks. I confess that I was overwhelmed by the benefits of this program and the quality of the lectures. Famous professors were assigned from renowned Universities in Beijing. The inclusion of various modules made this even more interesting. We not only would hone our skills in Mandarin but also indulge into a journey of Chinese History, Geography, Music, Architecture and in addition, activities such as mastering Chinese knots and discovering the healing powers of the practices of Chinese Medicine with live demonstrations.On top of this, 5 days of excursions and sightseeing were included, which meant that our biggest wishes were coming true in bulk. The Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Bird’s Nest and many more were about to come to life in front of us. Day one started with a visit to the premises of Beijing International Chinese College where the program was introduced and explained thoroughly including the distribution of all the necessary equipment a teacher needs to get started for class; a handout with details about the curriculum and important information for participants, a backpack, a water flask and a folder containing a notebook and writing instruments each bearing the logo of the institution. Mission accomplished and we headed to a Dining Hall to emerge into the gastronomical delights of Asian Cuisine acquaint ourselves in a more open environment. Bon Apetit!

But, what was so special about this new experience? We found a new family. We built strong and lasting relationships with new friends from all over the world. We shared experiences and we exchanged knowledge and information about our countries. Presentations of all were arranged so that we would get a better grasp by revealing the nuances of the different cultures around the globe. We listened to stories that formed their history and religions throughout the ages. We observed beautiful pictures with unique sceneries from their homelands. We discovered new tastes from far away destinations which seemed not so remote and unknown anymore. Distances were suddenly straddled; history was unraveled right in front of us and for some, the incubating idea and the longing to visit some of these destinations was now about to eventuate. I just had to visit some of them before the return journey.

This is the aim and goal of the Belt and Road initiative which began as a vision of People’s Republic of China President, Xi Jinping; to make China a global force by connecting the world via the Silk Road Economic Belt. This includes not only trade and investments in infrastructure but also in education. While mostly considered a closed society with long rooted norms and traditions the Chinese have managed to occupy every corner of the earth. This is another sign of China’s openness to the world. They have established corporations, educational centres and partnerships in various business fields. The Business Confucius Institute in Greece opened its doors in 2009 in cooperation with Athens University of Economics and Business, the third to operate in Europe. Its aim is to “strengthen the relationship between the two countries and enhance the understanding of the Chinese language and culture” ( confucius.aueb.gr)

I had a dream I went to China…Thank you BICC! I will never forget.