Sino-English Club | 汉英俱乐部
The Sino-English Club (SEC) is a friendly community where people come together to practise Chinese and English, share cultures, and make new friends. Membership is free and open to all.
Welcome to the New Academic Year
The Sino-English Club (SEC) warmly welcomes both old and new members to join us this semester. Whether you are looking to improve your language skills, explore cultural traditions, or simply meet new people, SEC offers a welcoming space for everyone.
We are excited to announce that SEC will relaunch from Thursday 16 October 2025 - after our Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration held on 9th October
Normally, the SEC Regular Meetings follow the University Semester Dates, from Week 1 to Week 12.
SEC Regular Meetings
Date: Weekly on Thursday evenings
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm, University semester
Venue: CI Office, 2-4 Palmerston Road, Sheffield S10 2TE.
How to join the SEC
Membership is free and open to all.
- Open to all University of Sheffield students, staff, and community members interested in Sino-English exchange.
- Free participation; members must follow the University policies and Code of Conduct.
- SEC is a learning community, not a dating, religious or political platform.
To join the SEC mailing list, or to enquire about particular SEC activity:
Email: confucius@sheffield.ac.uk
Follow SEC Facebook
About the SEC
The Sino-English Club (SEC) began in March 2007 as a student-led language and culture exchange initiative, created by students, for students. The idea was born after a meeting between SEAS students and CSSA representatives at the opening ceremony of the Confucius Institute in January 2007 — an inspiring and fitting beginning for what has become one of our most successful ongoing projects.
Since then, the club has grown into a welcoming community where new and familiar faces come together each semester to share languages, cultures, and friendships in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Our aims
Provide opportunities for anyone interested in learning Chinese or English to practice their target language and deepen cultural understanding through meaningful exchange and shared experiences.
Detailed activities
- Weekly Meetings — Every Thursday, 6:30–8:30pm at the CI Office. A friendly environment to practise Chinese or English through conversation, games, and cultural exchange.
- Festival Celebrations — From making dumplings at Spring Festival to flipping pancakes on Pancake Day, SEC brings both Chinese and English traditions to life.
- Party in the Park — Our annual summer event held in July at Weston Park. A relaxed, social afternoon open to all learners and friends of the Confucius Institute — a perfect way to round off the year.
SEC Committee members, 2025-2026
- Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield (SCI)
- Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
- School of East Asian Studies (SEAS)
The Committee operates under the CI Management Team, which consists of CI Director, Deputy Director, Institute Coordinator, Marketing and Events Officer, Teaching and Learning Officer, and Project Coordinator.
The CI Director has the final authority over all financial, disciplinary, and strategic matters.
Download Sino-English Club Committee (available shortly).
SEC Guidelines
The SEC provides an educational and cultural platform for mutual understanding between Chinese and English speakers.
The club focuses on language learning, cultural appreciation, and friendship-building — not politics or personal interests.
Download Sino-English Club Operation Guidelines (available shortly).
What our members say
All the members are quite nice and friendly, especially the teacher. I personally think this is a really meaningful society. It provides us with opportunities to share ideas as well as to learn about the culture.
Christina Liu
For me, the Sino-English corner is a place to discuss Chinese culture and society (both contemporary culture and ancient culture) and a society to meet board game friends.
Jin Yan
I made many Chinese friends in the Sino-English corner, including the most important people in my life. I also have the chance to speak more Chinese language.
Ryan Blackett
I enjoy every minute in the Sino-English corner. Everyone is so polite and helpful. It is one of the things which I look forward to the most each week.
George Hunter
SEC has helped me keep on top of my oral Chinese since I finished studying last year, but more importantly I've met a lot of great people, many of whom have become good friends.
Dan Johnson
Many thanks to all who have contributed here by sharing their opinion about the SEC! We always welcome your feedback.