On November 12, the International School of Taizhou University (ISTU) orchestrated a grand welcome party at the Student Activity Center on Jiaojiang Campus, extending a hearty greeting to the new cohort of 2023, encompassing both undergraduates and graduate students pursuing their master's degrees. The event saw the presence of key figures such as Wang Aiqin and Gong Shasha, Vice Directors of the International Exchange and Cooperation Department (Vice Deans of the International School), along with teachers from other secondary schools who teach international students. The vibrant gathering brought together 130 international freshmen, as well as some Chinese students.
The festivities kicked off with a lively dance medley, setting a fantastic tone for the evening. QURBONMAMADOVA ISMINA (Chinese name: Mina), a senior student from Tajikistan, and ABDUKHASHIMOV IMONBEK (Chinese name: Zhang Yilang), a student from Uzbekistan, then took the stage with a heartfelt guitar and vocal rendition of "I Promise You", conveying their warm wishes and genuine welcome to the new students. The audience responded warmly, creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm.
The night's lineup was an exciting mix of performances, each one outshining the last. Standouts included the Bangladeshi trio—NUSRAT SHAKERA (Chinese name: Xiaqila), KEYA TOWFIKA HASAN (Chinese name: Kaiya), and SIAM TANVIR AHMED (Chinese name: Saian)—fusing their country's traditional dance with hip-hop, delivering a uniquely creative dance piece. EMEKA MARYANN CHINAZA (Chinese name: Zhan Shimin) from Nigeria and NGABA EYENGA JUDITH LAURE MICHAELA (Chinese name: Mikela) from Cameroon set the stage ablaze with a passionate dance mashup, showcasing not just their exceptional dance skills but also their personal charisma. Moroccan student EL BACHRIA MOHAMED (Chinese name: Zhou Yang) stole the show with a mesmerizing drum performance, even elevating the energy by performing blindfolded in the latter part.
The grand finale came courtesy of the Autumn Maple Drama Society, treating the audience to a classic Yue opera piece, "The Butterfly Lovers (Liang Zhu)". The actors' impeccable costumes and distinctive vocal style left a lasting impression on every international student present, offering them a delightful taste of traditional Chinese drama. The evening wrapped up with a spirited group singing of "We Are the World", leaving an air of friendship and joy lingering in every nook of the activity center.
The evening party not only provided a stage for new students to display their talents but also served as a cultural bridge between Chinese and international students. The event, marked by a dynamic fusion of eastern and western cultures, fostered camaraderie among students from different backgrounds. Beyond entertainment, it played a crucial role in helping newcomers adapt swiftly to life in China.
As we send our best wishes for their academic and personal journey at our institution, we hope these students evolve into exemplary international scholars who not only understand, but also build lasting friendships with China and Zhejiang Province.
