The College of International Education at SAU has been dedicating to Chinese culture and learning of Chinese language since it was opened several years ago.

 Wendy Yin, an international students’ Chinese language teacher said, "It can be used to learn Chinese, and is also a window through which to learn about China, both ancient civilization and modern development."

"Moreover, it builds a bridge of friendship between young people from China and other countries, which is a key to the future relationship of Chinese students and international students," she said.

International students’ Chinese classes at SAU were conducted mainly through language teaching, calligraphy lessons, Kong-fu practice as well as other Chinese cultural activities.

But most of all, it would act as "incentive, encouragement and reminder" for students to learn Mandarin, said a student from Kenya.

"While in the Chinese language class, we can learn Chinese pop music and learn traditional Chinese art such as Chinese calligraphy, feeling that we are in part of China," he said.

It has been universally believed that language is the key to understanding a country and its culture. "Life will increasingly become China-centric as the country moves center stage in international affairs and business," an Indonesian student said.

"The teachers' job is to prepare the young people for the world, which would be inconceivable without China," Wendy said.

The international education of SAU has a history of over 10 years, and is likely to open its first overseas school in future. It now has more than 300 international students from almost 30 countries.