One World, One Dream, Shared Future: GZIC Successfully Holds The First International Culture Festival
The International Culture Festival
On November 19th, the First International Culture Festival at the Guangzhou International Campus (GZIC) of South China University of Technology (SCUT) took place. Themed One World, One Dream, Shared Future, with France as the guest of honor, the Festival consists of three parts, including 42 booths showcasing cultural and culinary exhibits from countries along the Belt and Road, Chinese and international students’ performances, and French educational consultations. Vice President of SCUT, Xu Xiangmin, and Nylam Gauthier, Head of Campus France (Guangzhou Office), attended the event. Over 800 domestic and international guests, faculty and students participated.
Opening Ceremony
Xu Xiangmin expressed in his speech that as a pilot project for international educational reform in the Greater Bay Area, GZIC consistently upholds opening up of education and implements a new schooling model of Internationalization at Home. Emphasizing mutual understanding, learning and communication with countries worldwide, the Campus is actively advancing its development. The series of cultural exchange activities aim to enhance young students' awareness and understanding of different countries and cultures, promoting mutual respect and learning between Chinese and international youth, which will lay a solid cultural and emotional foundation for building a community of shared future for mankind.
Nylam Gauthier mentioned that the Festival's theme aligns well with the current international desire to strengthen exchange and cooperation. In the face of increasing global challenges and opportunities, countries worldwide need to intensify communication, cooperation, and open sharing more than ever before. He emphasized France's high regard for the collaboration with China in education, technology, culture, and the economy, expressing hope for enhanced mutual learning between students of the two countries, fostering friendship, jointly addressing challenges, and moving towards a better shared future.
Local Delicacies Unique to China and Foreign Countries
Vibrant Cultural Exchanges
It is delicious and fun. The cultural and culinary exhibition from Belt and Road countries allowed students from over 30 nations to showcase their unique cultures and local cuisines. Visitors brought event-exclusive passports with them to explore and enjoy their journey through different booths, creating an immersive experience of diverse cultures and cuisines “at home”. Special snacks from Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt attracted food enthusiasts, while activities like Vietnam's floral car, traditional Chinese tea ceremonies for the beginning of winter, traditional Cuju (ancient Chinese football), and the making of perfume bags and moon-shaped fan engaged cultural enthusiasts in various experiences.
Performances by Chinese and International Students
During the cultural and artistic performance by Chinese and international students, there were spectacular song and dance performances such as Multiethnic Russia, “Beat of Bangladesh, and Ali AhKao dan Muthu. China's rich traditional culture was showcased through performances like Chinese Martial Arts and Traditional Chinese Clothing Fashion Show. The fashion show titled Colorful World featured traditional attire from over 20 countries, presenting a diverse array of customs and traditions.
In addition, the event invited Campus France (Guangzhou Office) and three renowned French engineering universities to provide educational consultation, breaking down informational barriers for students interested in studying abroad.
Students who attended the event expressed satisfaction, describing the atmosphere as excellent and the cultural features of each country as interesting. They noted that the event broadened their horizons, enriched their leisure time, and provided an opportunity to make international friends. These students hoped for more similar international exchange activities in the future.
Currently, SCUT has nearly 1,000 international students from over 90 countries across 6 continents. With GZIC serving as a new engine for the high-quality development of the University, SCUT has been vigorously implementing a new schooling model of Internationalization at Home”, which allows students to experience internationally equivalent educational resources without leaving the country. The Campus has collaborated with nearly 70 international universities, offering over 130 international exchange programs in recent years, actively promoting bilateral international exchanges between Chinese and international students.
Translator: Yaxin Zhang
Initial Proofreader: Sheng Gao
Final Proofreader: Zhaosheng Wu