SISU Backpack Journalist Team Conducts Greece Field Study Bridging Civilizations Through Journalism Education

 

By Nadire, Zhang Zhaofeng, Gu Ziliang, Zhu Bingqi

Translated by Guo Yishun From October 5 to 13, the SISU Backpack Journalist Team—comprising 17 faculty members and students—embarked on an eight-day field study in Greece, marking Shanghai International Studies University’s first overseas field reporting project in the country. Conducted in Athens and Thessaloniki, the program exemplified SISU’s signature “Multilingual + Journalism” model, integrating classroom learning with real-world reporting.

Divided into three groups, students explored the intersections of ancient civilization and modern life—interviewing local artisans, business owners, and tourists; visiting cultural landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora; and examining topics from urban life and youth communication to work culture and creative industries.

During a visit to the Chinese Embassy in Greece, Counselor Wang Jin encouraged the students to enhance their intercultural competence and share authentic stories of mutual understanding between China and Greece. The team also drew inspiration from Encounter of the Sages: Dialogue between Confucius and Socrates, a sculpture symbolizing dialogue between the two civilizations.

Through immersive reporting and multilingual storytelling, students turned first-hand observations into in-depth news features and multimedia works, gaining valuable experience in international communication.

This overseas field study underscores SISU’s commitment to cultivating globally minded journalists who combine cultural sensitivity, professional rigor, and narrative insight—telling China’s stories in the world’s languages and connecting civilizations through the power of storytelling.