In October 2024, two students from the Confucius Institute at Saints Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje represented North Macedonia in the finals of the “Chinese Bridge” competition held in China. Marija Marjanovik, a second-year high school student from Car Samoil High School in Resen, participated in the 17th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students. Anastasija Palashocking, a seventh-grade student from OOU Kiril i Metodij-Bitola in Bitola, took part in the 4th “Chinese Show” for international primary school students. The secondary school Chinese competition attracted 113 contestants from 96 countries, while the Chinese Show for primary school students had 68 participants from 60 countries.
Marija arrived in Beijing on October 14, where she spent three days visiting historical and modern landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Bird’s Nest, the Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square, experiencing the fusion of history and modernity in China’s capital. On the evening of the 16th, she traveled to Tianjin for the competition. After taking the written test on the 17th, delivering a speech on the 18th, and performing in the talent show on the 19th, although she didn’t make it into the top eight in Europe, her excellent performance in the competition earned her valuable experience and left a deep impression on the audience. During the competition, Marija also visited Tianjin’s landmarks such as the Tianjin Eye and the ancient city, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s unique charm.
Photo 1: Marija participating in the competition
Photo 2: Marija performing Tai Chi on stage
Photo 3: Marija and her accompanying teacher, Simona Spirkoska, visiting Tiananmen Square
Photo 4: Marija experiencing traditional Chinese culture
Anastasija, a contestant in the Chinese Show for primary school students, arrived in China on October 18. Despite her young age, she performed outstandingly. Although she did not make it to the final round, this trip to China was a rewarding experience for her, offering far more than just competition results. Through this event, she not only improved her Chinese language skills but also broadened her international perspective and made many like-minded friends.
Photo 5: Anastasija on stage (far right)
Photo 6: Anastasija participating in cultural activities
Photo 7: Anastasija and her mother visiting a Chinese friend
Photo 8: Anastasija practicing Chinese calligraphy
Photo 9: Anastasija posing for a photo with volunteers at the Great Wall
Besides competing, both students had the chance to visit China’s historical and cultural landmarks during breaks, deeply experiencing China’s rich culture. This competition not only enhanced their interest in learning Chinese but also inspired them to pursue more in-depth Chinese studies in the future. Their performances during the competition fully reflected the enthusiasm of North Macedonian students for learning Chinese and laid a solid foundation for their future Chinese studies.
Photo 10: Group photo of secondary school competition participants