| "Little is known about China in Ireland that goes beyond cuisine and kung fu movie stereotypes. While China is not a top destination for Irish travellers, Irish Jesuits made a home for themselves there over four hundred years ago. In the 1920s they built a school, Wah Yan Jesuit College Kowloon in Hong Kong, and it is this connection which has inspired a new student exchange project between China and Ireland. The Jesuit Belvedere College in Dublin has a healthy transition year programme. Between sport, music, drama (and everything else) it can be a busy year for TY students. A new programme begun this year gives those in TY the opportunity to experience Chinese language and culture. Run by the UCD Confucius Institute, the 10-week course includes modules in Chinese language, food, society, tradition, arts, film and music. For some of those involved, the introductory course will serve a very practical purpose, as 17 Irish students are preparing to travel to Hong Kong for two weeks in April. The exchange between Wah Yan College and Belvedere College is being piloted this year and has all gone to plan thus far. Despite the high cost (€1750 for Irish students) and the scarcity of places (only 15 available to each school), the exchange has been over-subscribed on both sides, with 17 Irish students and 18 Hong Kong Chinese students now involved. 16-year-old Donal Cahill first became interested in the trip while doing the Chinese cultural course last term. They already do a lot ... |
