In order to ease the homesickness of international students, teachers and students of the International School gathered together on two campuses on September 14 to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival and exchange the experience and harvest of studying in China.

At the beginning of the activity, teachers extended their good wishes and welcomed the new students of grade 2024 joining the big family of the International School. The Mid-Autumn Festival is second only to the Spring Festival in importance in China, representing reunion and harvest. The origin of mooncakes and their symbolism was introduced. The teachers hoped that international students learn Chinese language well and expand their horizons through the various cultural exchange opportunities provided by the university, hence contributing to the friendship between China and the rest of the world. Afterwards, the student representatives made speeches respectively. They shared their impressions on their study and life in TU and their plans. A student with Chinese name Li Qiang from Bangladesh said, “Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival of reunion and a day to get together with family. It’s been one whole year since I came to China to study. On the occasion of this wonderful festival, I wish my family, friends and teachers good health and good luck.”

The students tasted the Mid-Autumn mooncakes, which were either printed with TU Logo or the university’s iconic buildings. The students said that although they were far away from home, they could feel the warmth of the university’s care which made them feel as if they were at home. They gave their like to the taste of the mooncakes. YARKPAWOLO T-JOHNSON (Chinese name Ping An) from Liberia said, “As a new international student who just arrived at TU, I would like to thank the university for preparing this gift (mooncake). We come from different countries, but we are fortunate to meet in TU. The mooncake represents the university’s welcome to us. We are very grateful for it.”

The heads of the International School were especially concerned about the students’ study and living. They hoped that the new students adapt themselves to their living in China as soon as possible. For the difficulties and problems raised by the students in their life and study, the leaders said that they would coordinate with relevant departments and solve them.

This activity of celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival brought teachers and students closer. At the same time, it played a positive role in promoting Chinese and foreign cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.

International students with Chinese mooncakes

Preparing, eating, and talking about mooncakes