Training provides Chinese language skills, cultural knowledge

More than 10 students from Russia sat in a circle, holding brushes, looking focused and carefully writing on rice paper.

Occasionally, they paused, turned their heads and looked at the characters written by their classmates.

The foreign students then assessed their own efforts and exchanged their views and experiences on learning Chinese calligraphy, sometimes seeking guidance from the teacher.

This was the scene in a Chinese culture class at Manzhouli Russian Vocational College one afternoon late last month.

The class mainly demonstrates traditional Chinese culture, including calligraphy, opera and tea ceremonies, and is popular with international students.