A JNU student (middle) poses for a group photo with students participating in the teaching program in Mangshi. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
A group of 20 undergraduates and faculty from Jiangnan University's School of Foreign Studies traveled to Mangshi, a border city in Yunnan province, this July to deliver a two-week teaching support program aimed at enhancing English education and cultural exposure for local students.
The initiative, part of the university's broader rural education engagement strategy, combined intensive language instruction with civic education and community outreach. Professor Yang Yong, associate dean of the school, led the academic component with interactive sessions that moved beyond textbook drills. His classes used word-chain games and real-world scenarios, including cross-border trade and infrastructure projects connecting China and Myanmar, to demonstrate the practical value of English in the students' own region.
Yang Yong, associate dean of JNU's School of Foreign Studies, teaches an English session for local students in Mangshi. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
"Many of these young people grow up at a crossroads of cultures and commerce," said Yang. "Language is not just an exam subject here; it's a tool for understanding their surroundings and building connections."
Alongside formal teaching, the team designed a series of workshops covering border safety, drug prevention, and emotional well-being. Sessions were delivered through role-play and group discussion rather than lectures, a departure from conventional classroom routines that local teachers said was well received.
A JNU student gives an English class as part of the teaching program. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
To broaden students' horizons, the volunteers introduced English film dubbing exercises and cross-cultural presentations, blending language practice with exposure to global perspectives. They also integrated art and physical activities into the schedule, aiming to support holistic development.
The group also spent time at the Dehong Prefectural Museum, studying local ethnic minority histories and the region's role in ancient trade routes. The research helped them tailor lesson content to reflect Mangshi's cultural heritage, making classes more relatable to students' own backgrounds.
"I used to memorize vocabulary in isolation," said one high school participant. "This program helped me see the bigger picture: how English fits together and why it matters."
The program reflects a growing emphasis among Chinese universities on integrating service learning with academic training. Mangshi's schools offered a temporary infusion of resources and fresh approaches. For the visiting students, it provided a tangible lesson in how language education can bridge geographical and cultural divides.
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