Beijing Hongzhou Learning has been planning the organization of China-Tunisia International Cultural Ambassador Exchange Program 2019, initiated by the government under the “One Belt One Road” initiative, for a long time. On 22nd of January, the delegation of Ambassadors from China arrived in Moniastir, Tunisia, headed by Mrs. Ayet Abl, Director of Marketing Development Department. The program lasted for 8 days 44 students and 14 teachers from 30 Chinese universities participating. 

The program’s itinerary included:

• Sessions on culture, history, communication and education 

• Meeting with Tunisian Universities representatives and experts who shared their vision and opinion about China-Tunisia cultural and educational exchanged 

• Official meetings with representatives from the Municipality of the Monastir city 

• Parallel student meetings and events 

• A cultural enrichment program 

• Presentation of certificate

The visit of the Chinese Ambassadors was a very important event for Tunisian municipality so the group was invited to meet with the Mayor of the city Monastir, Mayor of the city Benan, Council, Heads of Culture and Education departments and other officials. The Tunisian government has expressed interest in continued cultural and education exchanges with China and has expressed a desire to strengthen the relationship. During the official meeting, university colleagues from China and Tunisia discussed promising areas of cooperation.

The Council of the Monastir lead the meeting with the Head of International Relations, who spoke about the history and structure of Tunisia’s International Relations and prospects for cooperation, adding that in recent years, cooperation with partners from China has expanded significantly. "Now China is our key future partner not only in the Asian region, but also in the whole world." – "We see great prospects for cooperation in the field of education, development and promotion of tourism and cultural heritage of the Tunisian people. And if it is necessary, Monastir is ready to share experience with Chinese colleagues, " - said the Council.

The Ambassadors held a number of meetings with representatives, Heads of Departments and Professors from National Universities such as: National School of Engineers of Monastir, Oil and Gas Institute of Monastir, Private Higher School of Engineering of Monastir, School of Architecture and design, A Higher Institute of Technological Studies, as well as with Chinese students living in Tunisia.

Some representatives from Chinese Universities together with their counterparts from Monastir’s Universities expressed their intent to create a platform for the exchange of experience and further cooperation in the field of intercultural dialogue and working with foreign students. The Universities of Tunisia presented their projects related to foreign students and spoke more about the geography and the composition of students. Participants of the meeting witnessed a significant event in the history of Monastir - the beginning of integration and cooperation between universities. And this is the answer to the spirit of Hongzhou Learning: Education Connects the World. The most important thing in the changes is friendship between people, friendship between nations and understanding of the culture of each nation individually - “One Belt One Road”. 

As education is a big part of cultural exchange, Chinese Ambassadors listened to a course of lectures at the Monastir Education Center about Tunisian history, culture, customs, traditional food and even some legal regulations. The introductory lecture was structured so that students could form an interest in this culture and understand the bigger picture. The lectures also covered the state of economic development and the system of modern Tunisian education. Much attention was paid to issues of social equality, family values and employment in Tunisia.

Most of the lecture was devoted to wedding traditions in Tunisia, traditional costumes of different times, traditional music and food. These aspects are indeed the most striking in the country’s culture. Women's clothing is distinguished by a great variety and brilliance of colors. Tunisian food has gathered in itself shades of cuisines from different countries, such as France, Italy and Turkey … Up to 300 guests may come to celebrate a traditional Tunisian wedding, having fun over the course of many hours.

The lecture of the Professor of the Monastir Education center was rich, informative, well-structured and accompanied by carefully selected photographs. The lecture inspired further study of the topic in practice, which the program embodied, showing costumed concerts and performances to the Ambassadors. 

During the last day of the program all students and teachers took short Introduction Practical Safety Course and received official certificates. It was an interactive lesson: “Emergency Situation on the Plane” with a professional group of flight attendants. Everyone learnt the names of emergency plane slides, talked about language used during emergencies, tried on gas masks and learned to extinguish fires. The lesson was held in the renovated cozy International Training Center for Civil Aviation CIFAC which equipped with plane, plane board and door opening simulators. 

As part of this Cultural Exchange Program, students were able to improve their English proficiency, get an idea of the Tunisian educational system, obtain a unique experience that they will remember for life, and make new friends from the other side of the world.

To share the culture of two countries, activists from the Sectoral Center of Wood and Cladding with the help of our Ambassadors organized a large cultural event: a concert, performances, competitions and theatrical performances. This event could easily be visited by local students from local universities who were happy to get acquainted with the culture of China.

At the Monastir Tourism School, students and teachers from China were able to experience the culture of Tunisia directly. They were invited to prepare traditional Tunisian dishes in the school kitchen. Local professionals and culinary students revealed the secrets of preparing appetizers, soups, main courses and desserts. All the Ambassadors could then try out what they cooked during the solemn dinner, which was accompanied by show and live music with traditional antique instruments. And of course, they also participated in the traditional dancing.

A trip as a cultural exchange ambassador is a great experience, allowing you to learn more about the country of interest. In addition, it is an opportunity to get acquainted with representatives of other cultures in conditions where, despite cultural differences, nothing prevents communication based on mutual respect. Tunisian people very tactful and benevolent, behave extremely well, are open to talking, are friendly and responsive and ready to help. Therefore, all that is required is to simply observe the elementary courtesy rules and show respect for local norms.

Tunisia has become a meeting place for various civilizations and its three thousand-year-old culture shows that this country, due to its geographical position, was at the center of the spread of numerous great civilizations and world religions. One of the most important monuments that was visited by our Ambassadors was the Roman amphitheater in El Jem which status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monastir is an ancient city with a lot of historical and cultural sights that all our Chinese Ambassadors had the chance to visit. Today, the small town of Monastir is a tourist center, it has its own hotels, parks and an airport. The dominant architecture in the city is the mausoleum of the Bourguiba family - a symbol in the recent past of great political power. Our Ambassadors were also able to visit this beautiful arch-piece work. Opposite the mausoleum - Ribat was visited too. It was a fortification that was built in the 8th century.

For the whole program trip Ambassadors stayed at the Hotel Les Palmiers which is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in a picturesque corner of Monastir city. Every day Ambassadors had traditional Tunisian breakfast (Lablabi), lunch with freshly caught fish and then dinner at the Hotel Restaurant. 

Hotel Les Palmiers Management organized evening parties and cultural events with invited actors, costume makers, musicians and local officials. Representatives of neighboring cities were invited to the hotel, who made video presentations on the arrangement of the city, brought traditional local desserts decorated with Henna ladies’ hands as well as presenting souvenirs. 

On the grounds of the hotel there are free sporting and leisure activities. There are clubs dedicated to playing musical instruments, dancing, martial arts, basketball, etc. All the rooms were equipped with the necessary facilities and the hotel stuff was open and helpful.

At the same Hotel Les Pelmiers Restaurant, before the traditional Couscous dinner, all students received their China-Tunisia International Cultural Ambassador Exchange Program, 2019 Certificates of Participation and Appreciation from the Mayor of the city Monastir and his Representatives. The Mayor thanked Hongzhou Learning for the opportunity to reveal the culture of Tunisia to the foreign countries. On behalf of Monastir city, he promised that he would continue to be responsible for the programs of cultural exchange with China and ensure quality and safety.

We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to Mr. Ali Benzarti and his entire team at C.E.F.I.(Centre d'Education et de Formation en Informatique). Without all of their assistance, effort and dedicated support, this years winter excursion wouldn't have been such an outstanding success. They provided a wide range of well organised activities with patience, kindness and passion from beginning to end.  Thank you very much for the wonderful experience.