Nanjing University Course Challenges Students to Call Strangers

Nanjing University in Jiangsu Province, China, has garnered significant attention for its unconventional 'Verbal Expression' course. Originally launched in 2015 by former television producer Xu Kai, the curriculum aims to boost students' confidence and social communication skills, challenging traditional Chinese cultural values that emphasize listening over speaking.

The course's most demanding assignment requires students to randomly call strangers and conduct a successful interview. This task has proven difficult for many, with students reporting that recipients often mistake them for scammers. Some students have resorted to asking friends or family to pose as strangers, while others have turned to social media to find willing participants. One student, Hong Yiming, noted that after making over 30 calls, only five people answered, and three of those immediately hung up. Another student, Connie, eventually succeeded after multiple attempts by calling random numbers in Nanjing.

For residents and visitors in China, this trend highlights a shift in educational approaches toward fostering extroversion and interpersonal engagement. While the course is popular, it remains to be seen how these social experiments will influence broader communication norms in the country. It is important to note that these interactions are academic exercises, and individuals receiving such calls should remain cautious of unsolicited contact, as the distinction between a student assignment and actual fraudulent activity can be difficult to verify.