On January 16th, the International School held a Spring Festival Gala at Jiaojiang Campus. The scene was bustling with activity, filled with a strong festive atmosphere. More than 80 foreign teachers and students from all over the world gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the university leaders and teachers. This event was attended by the university leaders including Xiang Fengri, Deputy Secretary of the CPC TU Committee, Li Jianjun, Vice President and Member of the CPC TU Committee, Cai Haijiang, Member of the CPC TU Committee and Director of the Publicity Department, the heads of departments such as the Student Affairs Department, the International Exchange and Cooperation Department, the Academic Affairs Department, the Logistics Service and Management Department, and relevant personnel of the International Exchange and Coopeartion Department.
The gala kicked off amidst warm applause and consisted of four parts: program performances, game sessions, writing Spring Festival couplets, and a lucky draw. Each part was full of highlights, immersing the on - site audience in a sea of joy.
Group photo for celebrating the Spring Festival
The program performance part was a multicultural feast. Selin, a student from Turkey, took the stage first, bringing a dynamic dance. Her precise and smooth movements and confident and free - spirited performance instantly ignited the atmosphere at the scene. Ratul, a student from Bangladesh, sang the song “Asbar Kale Ashlam Eka,” showing the unique charm of South Asian music. His affectionate voice immersed the audience in it. Gift, a student from Nigeria, brought a powerful African dance. The unique rhythm and dynamic movements vividly demonstrated the mystery and enthusiasm of the African continent. Finally, the Spanish song “Échame la culpa” sounded. Ariel and Rosalinda from Equatorial Guinea, with their affectionate voices and infectious interpretations, immersed the audience in a wonderful musical atmosphere.
When it came to the game session, the atmosphere at the scene became even warmer. The game Chopstick - picking Marbles tested everyone’s hand - eye coordination. The players carefully picked up the marbles with chopsticks, while the audience on the side cheered. The dumpling - making competition was unique, focusing on the aesthetics of the dumplings. The international teachers and students gave full play to their creativity, and the dumplings they made had different shapes and were delicate and beautiful. The scene was filled with laughter and joy. After the judges evaluated from multiple aspects such as shape and overall aesthetics, excellent works stood out and won bursts of admiration. The dumpling - eating competition pushed the atmosphere to a climax. The players sat around a table, and at the sound of an order, they quickly started. Everyone ate heartily, and the scene was filled with joy and satisfaction. The audience was also infected by this warm scene, and the cheers and laughter intertwined.
After the game session, everyone tasted the steamed dumplings, feeling the warmth brought by traditional Chinese cuisine. At the same time, the activity of writing Spring Festival couplets and the character ‘Fu’ (blessing) was also carried out simultaneously. Ink, brushes, and red paper were prepared on - site. The international students were eager to have a try. Although there was no calligraphy teacher to guide them, everyone gave full play to their creativity out of their love and curiosity for Chinese culture. Some students carefully recalled the font of Spring Festival couplets they had seen on weekdays and copied them stroke by stroke. Some integrated their blessings for the new year into their unique writing styles. Everyone showed their works to each other, exchanged experiences, and the strong flavor of the New Year became more intense in the interaction.
Making dumplings
Writing Spring Festival couplets
In addition to the wonderful programs and interesting games, the gala also set up an exciting lucky - draw session. The lucky students received beautiful prizes, and their joy was beyond words.
This Spring Festival Gala not only provided a platform for international students to showcase themselves and enhanced the friendship among them, but also enabled them to have a deeper understanding of Chinese Spring Festival culture and feel the warmth of the big family of TU. Amidst laughter and joy, everyone spent an unforgettable night together, adding a bright color to the upcoming Year of the Snake.
In the future, the International School will continue to hold various colorful cultural exchange activities to promote the exchange and integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, enabling more international students to understand and fall in love with China.
