At 7 PM on March 13th, the second episode of the International College’s English Corner series—a special event themed “Travel and Culture”—kicked off as expected, much to the students’ anticipation. In Room 616 of the library, the atmosphere was electric as students gathered with foreign teachers Mrs. Edgar, Mr. Nicky, and Mr. Kowo. Together, they embarked on a fascinating and profound journey of cultural exchange in the vast world of English.

1.0 Icebreaker Activity

The event began with host Mrs. Edgar, alongside other teachers, explaining and demonstrating the rules of the icebreaker game “Would you rather...? Line up and choose sides.” As the first question, “Would you rather visit the mountains or the beach?” was posed, the room instantly filled with lively discussions. Students quickly lined up based on their choices, then paired up to enthusiastically share their reasons. A series of fun questions followed, such as “Would you rather travel by plane or by train?” In this back-and-forth interaction, students gradually relaxed, and the initial awkwardness faded away in the cheerful atmosphere.

2.0 Topic Sharing

After the icebreaker, students were divided into four groups, guided by their teachers, to share their thoughts on various topics. When asked, “Where is your dream travel destination and why?” students eagerly opened up. Some were captivated by the romance of France, vividly describing the joy of strolling along the Champs-Élysées. Others were drawn to the unique charm of Hainan, recounting the allure of the library at dusk. Some, driven by a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture, planned to visit Jingdezhen to study porcelain-making. Behind each dream destination lay the students’ boundless curiosity and unique aspirations for the world. Later, discussions on Chinese cultural traditions and travel tips in China brought up highlights like “Chaoshan beef hotpot” and “mobile payment apps,” offering a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of travel topics.

3.0 Group Discussion

The final group discussion, “Cultural differences in travel,” saw students sitting in a circle, delving into the “dos and don’ts” of traveling across cultures. Through this exchange, they learned from one another and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of understanding cultural differences in travel.

The one-and-a-half-hour English Corner concluded amidst laughter and applause, yet the students’ enthusiasm for exploring the world only grew stronger. This travel-themed exchange was like a key, unlocking the door to their active exploration of the world.

The next episode of the International College’s English Corner is already in the works. We look forward to more students joining in, using English as a bridge to discuss the world and grow through interaction and exchange!