From June 2 to 4, 2025, six students provided a three-day interpretation volunteer service at Yan’an Red Star Garden International Cultural Communication Park under the guidance of Professor Zhao Zheng from the School of English Studies of Xi’an Fanyi University. This event provided English interpretation service for students from Utah Tech University, promoting the rich heritage of Yan’an’s revolutionary culture and fostering exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and American young people.
Upon arrival, the volunteers received a warm welcome from Mr. Ma Yifei, President of Red Star Garden, and Ms. Lan Yan, the General Manager. The hosts of the event arranged a special photo exhibition featuring international friends, equipping the volunteers with background knowledge to facilitate their interpretation. Mr. Ma detailed the key protocols for international receptions and encouraged participants to attend in the spirit of mutual learning, inclusiveness, and openness.
During the session, which is dedicated to interpreting revolutionary culture, they accompanied the American students to the exhibition halls. They presented major historical events of the Yan’an Period (1935-1948), explained the revolutionary spirit of the Chinese Communist Party members, described the exhibitions on display, and provided on-the-spot interpretation and cultural context in response to their questions. The volunteers impressed the American students with their professionalism, enthusiasm, and confidence, earning high praise from them. Then, the evening welcome party marked the highlight of the event, where the volunteers actively participated in performances and engaged warmly with the students from Utah, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere that showcased the spirit, style, and cross-cultural competence of contemporary university students.
After the event, the volunteers reflected on their experiences and concluded that they had learned a great deal from them. Chen Sizuo remarked that translation is a field that demands broad knowledge and thorough preparation, and expressed his determination to continue enhancing his professional skills and hands-on experience. Moreover, Shi Xiaoqian shared the exchanges with peers from the United States, not only deepening her pride in Chinese culture but also revealing the common resonance and understanding across different cultures. Li Yizhen was particularly moved by the warmth and strength brought by the cross-linguistic and cross-national exchanges.
This activity at Yan’an Red Star Garden not only enhanced American students’ understanding and appreciation of China’s revolutionary culture but also provided an authentic international exchange platform for students from the School of English Studies. The event enhanced their practical skills and overall competence, expanded the depth and scope of practical teaching, and laid a solid foundation for nurturing foreign language students with a global vision, a strong sense of social responsibility, and professional competence.
Translated by He Ying/ Reviewed by Li Ruichao
