Encounter the World in Vienna: Polymind Study Tour Integrating Language Learning and Cultural Exploration
作者：蒋夏洁 来源：维也纳Polymind2025-08-07
In July 2025, 25 high school students from Italy embarked on a meaningful study tour
in Vienna, the capital of Austria. Organized and accompanied by Polymind Creative
Learning e.U., the students not only immersed themselves in authentic Austrian
culture but also had their first structured introduction to traditional Chinese culture.
This multicultural and experiential program aims to foster understanding, dialogue,
and emotional connection among young people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Integration into Daily Life: The Warmth of a Home, a Bridge Between Cultures
During their stay, students were accommodated with local host families, allowing
them to experience the rhythm of Viennese city life and family culture firsthand.
Through daily breakfast and dinner shared with their hosts, they gradually developed
deep emotional bonds with the families. Some accompanied their “Austrian mothers”
to the supermarket, gaining insight into the care woven into everyday life; others
quietly cleared the dishes after meals, expressing gratitude and kindness through
small, thoughtful gestures.
Although language barriers remained a challenge, genuine communication
continuously brought hearts closer together. Through these cross-cultural
interactions, students learned the values of understanding and respect, and
discovered a new sense of belonging beyond their own families. The host families
became more than just temporary residences—they served as vital bridges for
intercultural understanding and emotional connection.
The City as a Classroom: Broadening Horizons Through History and Nature
Beyond traditional classroom instruction, Polymind extended its curriculum into the
outdoors, designing a range of cultural exploration activities that spanned history, art,
and ecology.
Guided by experienced educators, students delved into Vienna’s rich cultural
landscape—from hiking trails in the ViennaWoodsto imperial palaces, from museum
galleries to ancient city ruins—learning as they walked. They not only listened to
echoes of the past but also measured the depth of culture with every step they took.
This “classroom on the move” model broke free from the confines of conventional
learning spaces, grounding knowledge in real-life settings and emotional resonance.
It enabled students to perceive, understand, and engage with the city and its cultural
context from a more multidimensional and immersive perspective.
Cross-Cultural Art Workshop
During the art workshop, students not only engaged in discussions with local
Austrian artists about the stylistic characteristics of iconic figures such as Gustav
Klimt and Friedensreich Hundertwasser, but also explored their own interpretations
of culture through collage, painting, and other creative forms. The open and inclusive
classroom environment inspired students’ enthusiasm for artistic expression and
strengthened their sense of autonomy and participation.
Of particular note was the introduction of a new dimension of “cultural dialogue” in
the workshop—hands-on experience with traditional Chinese crafts. To broaden
students’ cultural perspectives, Polymind integrated an introduction and practical
session on Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This approach not only reflected the
program’s respect for global cultural diversity but also encouraged students to
understand the concept of “culture” from a broader and more inclusive lens.
During the “Understanding Chinese Culture” segment, PolymindCo-Founder Jiang
Xiajie delivered a comprehensive introduction to the national-level intangible cultural
heritage of Chinese rubbing techniques. With the support of visual materials and live
explanations provided by the Manjuelong CR50 Salon, students gained insights into
the origins, historical evolution, and cultural significance of this traditional craft. They
began to recognize its unique role in the transmission of historical knowledge.
“
At first, I thought it was just a simple handicraft project,” one student remarked
after the session, “but then I realized it’s actually a way of preserving history and
carrying memory.”
This realization resonated deeply with the philosophical idea embedded in traditional
Chinese culture—that physical objects can embody spirit and meaning.
Many students shared that this was their first time hearing about rubbing, and their
first exposure to how ancient China used humble materials and techniques to
document civilization. This cross-cultural and cross-temporal experience sparked a
strong interest in Chinese culture and helped them recognize that, although
civilizations may differ in language, they often share surprising commonalities in art
and values.
Culture as a Bridge: Understanding Through Difference, Resonating with the World
In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, cross-cultural education has
become a vital foundation for international understanding and peaceful coexistence.
The study tour organized by Polymind, an innovative educational institution, served
as such a cultural bridge—helping young people build understanding through
authentic interaction and discover common ground amid cultural differences.
Language, as a tool for communication, took on deeper meaning during this journey.
No longer confined to classroom study, it became a bridge of the heart—guiding
students into local families, engaging them in cultural activities, and allowing for
authentic artistic expression. As PolymindCo-Founder Jiang Xiajie emphasized, the
core goal of the study tour extends far beyond language instruction. Through
immersive cultural encounters and everyday life experiences, the program aims to
foster respect, understanding, and inclusiveness toward diverse cultures. The true
value of cultural awareness lies not merely in acquiring knowledge, but in building
trust through face-to-face interaction and sparking resonance through emotional
connection.
Through this dual experience of Austrian and Chinese culture, students not only
enhanced their language skills but also expanded their global outlook. They began to
appreciate the unique expressions of different civilizations and learned to build trust
through respect and to form friendships through empathy.
The world may seem distant, but understanding can bridge that gap. People may be
different, but mutual respect can awaken genuine resonance. This study tour quietly
planted the seeds of understanding and friendship—offering these young
participants a warm and meaningful foundation for their journey into the wider world.
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