One exchange student from the Confucius Institute of Azerbaijan Language University learns how to write Chinese strokes during a ten-day exchange program at Huzhou Normal University in July. [Photo/CZTV.com]

Ten students from the Confucius Institute of Azerbaijan Language University completed their study of Chinese traditional culture at Huzhou Normal University in July, local media reported.

Their courses included martial arts, handicrafts, calligraphy, tea art, silk, diet and music during the ten-day exchange program.

"In the beginning, I was worried that overseas students have difficulty using the writing brush, but beyond my expectation, many students showed keen interest in soft brush calligraphy." said Professor Li of Huzhou Normal University, who is responsible for teaching Chinese strokes.

"Within a short time, most students could write their Chinese names correctly. This goes to show how much they loved Chinese calligraphy." Li added.

During an excursion to Lu Yu Tea Culture Museum, the students were told about the life story of Lu Yu, a respected Sage of Tea for his contributions to tea culture. They were introduced to the various types of tea including green tea, yellow tea, white tea and black tea.

Under the guidance of one tea art expert, the students were taught the process of making tea. "This is my first time making tea and knowing about how artistic the act of drinking tea is." said Xia Luo, one of the exchange students, "I love Chinese tea," he remarked.

The ten students also sat the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), China's only standardized test for Chinese proficiency for non-native speakers. Their test scores will determine whether they can study further in China in the future.

To enhance exchange and study between schools and students, Huzhou Normal University dispatches teachers and graduates regularly to the Confucius Institute of Azerbaijan to teach Chinese culture and language.