Linyi Normal University in Shandong Province sent me to William Carey University, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to teach Chinese calligraphy from February to May.

Thirteen students of different majors, who were interested in Chinese calligraphy, attended my course. However, only one girl could speak a little Chinese, so at the beginning I focused on introducing relevant Chinese culture and basic calligraphy skills to make them more interested in China.

Liu Xilong (second from the left) is teaching Chinese calligraphy in the U.S.

My oral English was poor, so I wrote most of my instructions on the blackboard. I taught them some of the simple strokes, but gradually they began to feel bored. Then I showed them several pieces of classic works of Chinese master calligraphers and taught them how to appreciate a piece of calligraphy. They were intrigued.

I taught them how to write in Ouyang Xun's style, a basic regular script form. The students were amazed to learn about the variances in Chinese characters. I told them the origin, development and structure of the characters, which reflected Chinese people's outlook on the world and on life.

We compared calligraphy, the most abstract art form, with western architecture, music and dance. I showed the students Cursive, a Dance produced by Taiwan Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. Their eyes were wide open during the show.

We also discussed Wang Xizhi and Yan Zhenqing, the two most famous Chinese calligraphy masters who were both born in Linyi. I told the students Linyi Normal University would be the best choice of calligraphy study. I showed them the university website, and they enjoyed the beautiful views.

Many others in Hattiesburg heard about the course, so after a month I added a four-hour lecture twice a week for the community. Painters, lawyers and middle school teachers, many of whom had travelled to China, attended the community class. They asked a lot of questions about Chinese history and culture, and we had a great time together.

Liu Xilong is teaching Chinese calligraphy in the U.S.

At the end of the semester I held an exhibition to display the calligraphy work of the students and my own work in a local museum. Teachers and leaders of the university came to appreciate them, and they became popular.

I believe that China has become stronger, and its international status and influence have been greatly enhanced.