From July 17 to July 22, 2008, more than 100 students from five primary schools in Betong municipality participated in the “Chinese exploration camp” activity. The event was jointly held by the Confucius Institute of Betong Municipality

and the Betong Education Department.

A large variety of activities were involved in the activity, such as Chinese speaking, Chinese songs, paper-cutting, Chinese calligraphy, aerobic exercise, etc. The first Chinese major students graduated from Yala Rajabhat University lectured as teachers. They have received training from the Confucius Institute and grasp a high level of Chinese teaching proficiency and some Chinese crafts, such as paper-cutting, calligraphy, etc. They successfully integrated what they learnt into their teaching classes, making the whole activity funny and interesting. Meanwhile, the dean of the Confucius Institute from the Thai partner institute and institute teachers and volunteers were also present at the camp serving as judges.

The Chinese exploration camp popularized knowledge on China, enhanced primary students’ understanding about Chinese culture and inspired their interest in learning Chinese.