A New Chapter in Mutual Learning among Civilizations: ENSA Visiting Delegation from Morocco Visits the School of Foreign Languages

In June 2025, Tianjin University welcomed a vibrant group of visitors—the visiting delegation from the École Nationale Supérieure de l’Administration (ENSA) in Morocco. Young students from Morocco gathered with undergraduate and postgraduate representatives from the School of Foreign Languages and the School of Management and Economics at Tianjin University, embarking together on a journey of exploration spanning Asia and Africa.

On the afternoon of June 15, the School of Foreign Languages organized a trip for the Moroccan delegation to Tianjin Binhu Theatre to watch the Yue Opera production “The Red Thread” staged by the Rongcheng Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe, followed by an interactive experience session. The visiting students entered the theatre with great curiosity. With its graceful melodies, exquisite costumes, and nuanced performances, the opera offered a feast for both the eyes and ears. The theatre was packed, and the Moroccan students who applauded enthusiastically were fully immersed in the performance. They showed a strong interest in and appreciation for Chinese traditional opera.

After the performance, the theatre arranged a special interactive session on traditional opera. Performers engaged face-to-face with students, introducing the history of Yue Opera, including its role types, costumes, and make-ups. Then, they invited students on stage to try on costumes and learn basic movements and vocal techniques. Guided by the actors, several Moroccan students bravely took part, drawing waves of applause and creating a lively atmosphere. A group photo session brought the event to a climax, leaving behind unforgettable moments of cultural exchange.

The event was not only an occasion to appreciate the arts, but also a vivid lesson in Chinese culture. The Moroccan students remarked that the beauty of YueOpera far exceeded their expectations and expressed their desire to learn more about Chinese art forms in the future. One member of the delegation commented, “I never imagined traditional Chinese opera could be so elegant and moving. Today I truly understand the saying that ‘beauty can transcend language.’”

On June 19, the Moroccan delegation visited the School of Foreign Languages and the Institute for Global South Institute at Tianjin University for a day of exchanges on mutual learning among civilizations. The program opened with two seminars: Lecturer Sun Xiaohan vividly explained the philosophical wisdom embedded in traditional Chinese culture and its contemporary inheritance, while Lecturer Olivier Kenne Michel showcased the distinctive charm and dynamic vitality of Africa’s diverse cultures. Their inspiring talks and friendly interactions with the Moroccan students fostered deeper mutual understanding and respect between the two sides against the broader backdrop of Global South civilizational dialogue.

Next, Lecturer Ling Zhigiang, together with Wang Gexun, a renowned Tai Chi master and fifth-generation bearer of the traditional Yang-style Tai Chi listed as intangible cultural heritage guided Chinese and foreign students into the tranquil world of Tai Chi. From the calm of the opening posture to the flowing movement of “cloud hands,” they demonstrated, with patience, the Oriental philosophy of balancing softness and strength. The Moroccan students focused intently as they practiced each movement, experiencing both the rhythm of bodily coordination and the subtle yet powerful spiritual core of Chinese culture.

In a classroom filled with the fragrance of ink, an engaging Chinese character workshop took place. Drawing on her solid calligraphy skills, Lecturer Yang Chaogui guided students from both countries in handling the brush, beginning with the character “友” (friend) to explore the structure and aesthetic charm of Chinese characters. When the auspicious character “福” (blessing) appeared vividly on the paper, the exchange through brush and ink had quietly turned into a meeting of hearts, silently conveying best wishes for enduring friendship.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Tianjin University's National Large-scale Earthquake Engineering Simulation Research Facility, gaining a close-up view of the powerful momentum behind China’s scientific and technological innovation. They then toured the modern Zheng Dong Library, where students moved among vast collections and smart services, expressing admiration for Tianjin University’s rich academic traditions and advanced information infrastructure.

 Founded in 1948, the École Nationale Supérieure de l’Administration is Morocco’s premier institution for training national administrative personnel. Tianjin University and ENSA have carried out multi-level and fruitful cooperation in such areas as faculty and student exchanges, academic seminars, and management talent cultivation. The visit by ENSA’s delegation was yet another vivid manifestation of the deep friendship between the two universities, injecting fresh vitality into further educational exchanges under the framework of Belt and Road cooperation. It is hoped that young people from both institutions will continue to join hands and write new chapters of mutual learning among civilizations and closer people-to-people ties.