LSA students explore creativity and culture in Rizhao, China

The Summer School brought together students from BSc (Hons) Creative Media Technology, BA (Hons) Filmmaking and BSc (Hons) Content Creation for two weeks of cultural activities, creative learning and collaboration with their peers at Rizhao Polytechnic.

Throughout the programme, students had the chance to experience different aspects of Chinese culture and everyday life. They visited tea plantations, explored the local area and took part in a range of traditional activities - including papermaking, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese knot-making and so much more.

For the students, these experiences offered more than an introduction to new traditions. They provided an opportunity to see and experience Chinese culture first-hand, while gaining new perspectives that they could take back into their own creative work.

Bringing creative skills to Rizhao

Alongside the cultural activities, students put their creative skills into practice by working on a video project promoting Rizhao and the wider Shandong region.

Using their experience in content creation, filmmaking and creative storytelling, students captured the places they visited, the culture they experienced and the people they met throughout their time in China. They then brought these experiences together to tell the story of Rizhao from their own perspective.

The project gave students the opportunity to work creatively in an unfamiliar environment, while developing their collaboration and storytelling skills and learning from the different perspectives of those around them.

A memorable international experience

For BSc (Hons) Creative Media Technology student Paul Emery, the Summer School was his first opportunity to visit China and experience its culture and way of life.

Paul said: "My first experience in China has been truly unforgettable.

"Attending the summer school at Rizhao Polytechnic and exploring China’s rich history has been absolutely inspiring. The staff and students have been incredibly welcoming, and I’ve made lifelong friends while gaining a deeper understanding of modern Chinese culture and daily life.

"This journey has been so meaningful that I’m already planning to return to Rizhao for a holiday to continue discovering more of what this remarkable city has to offer."

The experience has given students the chance to step outside their usual learning environment and develop their creative and collaborative skills in a new cultural setting. Working alongside students and staff at Rizhao Polytechnic also enabled them to build international connections and learn from one another.

The Summer School forms part of the ongoing relationship between Leeds Beckett University and Rizhao Polytechnic, creating opportunities for students and staff from both institutions to share knowledge, experiences and perspectives.

For Leeds School of Arts students, opportunities like this show how creativity can bring people and cultures together, while helping students develop the confidence, skills and global perspectives that can shape their future studies and careers.