In order to implement the strategy of “Open School-running” and broaden the horizon of students, BJUT officially founded the International Voluntary Service China Camp in July 2013. The 2016 International Voluntary Service China Camp opened on June 28 and closed on July 10. Thirteen volunteers from Mexico, Czech, Russia and China carried out abundant andvavious service activities during 13 days.

The China Camp held by the Voluntary Service Group of BJUT is China’ s first international voluntary service camp organized by university volunteers. With 3 years’ experience, a series of voluntary service were continued, such as volunteers teaching at Chen Jinglun School, cultural exchanges in the community youth club, participation at the graduation ceremony of BJUT and visiting the elderly in the hospice care hospital.

In the Laojuntang community youth club, apart from weeding and fertilizing in the community garden, together with some disabled friends, volunteers made Ay Tsao sachets and had fun in interesting cultural activities and sport games. Despite of language disconnection, with the help of Chinese fellows, international volunteers communicated patiently and passionately with the disabled friends. Besides, teachers in the club made a wonderful presentation and performance of Chinese traditional operas. Volunteers experienced some Chinese traditional games like walking on stilts and playing diabolo.

In the English class of Beijing Cheng Jinglun School (Dijing), volunteers introduced their own national histories, natures, science and eating habits. Students enjoyed an interesting class and had a glance of different cultures in the world. Also, volunteers designed kinds of English games. Through which students had fun and improved their spoken English.

At the hospice care hospital in Songtang, volunteers brought a splendid performance. Mexican and Czech volunteers worked together and performed traditional music played on classical instrument. It won warm applause. A traditional folk song sang by Russian volunteers reminded the senior people of the past and they couldn’t help to sing with the singers. After the performance, volunteers also talked with the elderly with care.

Managing to enhance the communication among volunteers and let them know more about cultures and customs of different countries, especially Chinese culture and Beijing characteristics, the camp organized abundant cultural activities. Volunteers visited some historic sites, like the Palace Museum and the Great Wall as well as special places like Nanluoguxiang and Houhai. They ate and sang praises to the Beijing Roast Duck and Sichuan Hotpot. At every theme night, volunteers taught and learned languages, listened to the music and danced together. Chinese volunteers prepared brushes and inks to teach internationals Chinese characters.

During the 11 days, young people from different countries worked together, lived together and helped each other. They got great experience and friendship. They have become a good team and a warm family.

Starting a international voluntary service camp and inviting foreign volunteers to china not only enrich Chinese voluntary service but also broaden students’ horizon and improve cultural exchanges through a diversified platform. It is of great significance to the internationalization of the Chinese youth voluntary service. In the future, the camp will keep learning and gain more experience to make it stronger.