A fiery red lantern hangs from the top, and international students from various countries, wrapped in red scarves, sit together, chatting and laughing, making dumplings... As soon as they enter the cultural hall on the first floor of the School of International Education in the East Campus of YU, a strong sense of Chinese New Year comes to their faces.
On January 31st, 2024, nearly 200 international students from over 20 countries including Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, and Pakistan welcomed the arrival of the Chinese New Year together.
Round dumpling wrappers and various flavors of dumpling fillings were placed on the table, and international students followed the teacher to learn how to make dumplings. In no time, plate after plate of dumplings were ready.
On the table next to them, many international students followed the teacher and wrote couplets and the word 'Fu' stroke by stroke. "We are a family from all over the world. We are very happy in the the Year of the Loong." Holding his handwritten couplet, Fabi from Rwanda was very happy and explained the meaning of the couplet happily. "People all over the world are a family, and we will be happy and lucky in the the Year of the Loong."
ACKIM LUTEPO from Malawi is busy filming videos and sending them to his family and friends. Columbia's CORDERO RODRIGUEZ DIANA VANESSA and BUITRAGO MORA SEBASTIAN DAVID are both studying at YU. She said, "The New Year's atmosphere is getting stronger and stronger. Everyone works hard throughout the year, and during the New Year, there is a lively celebration, amd it feels so good.
Vice President LV YIBING also came to the event site to visit the international students and presented them with carefully prepared gift packages from the school. International students lined up one after another, received their gifts, and with a bright smile, invited 3-5 friends to take a group photo.
The international students also prepared exciting cultural performances. "For you, I used half a year's savings to come across the sea to see you... "Zimbabwe's CHIRIMA TADIWA CHIEDZA performed Across the Sea to See You in fluent Chinese and familiar melodies, igniting everyone's enthusiasm. Dances with cultural characteristics of various countries, one after another; The runway show showcased the distinctive clothing styles of various countries; The Moon Represents My Heart "expresses the love of international students for Chinese culture.
After the performance ended, hot dumplings were also served on the table. You have one bowl, I have one bowl. Those who know how to use chopsticks bring their "apprentices" who don't know how to use them, dip them into the sauce, and eat them one by one happily, unable to help but give a thumbs up. This is the thick Chinese New Year
After finishing the dumplings, the international students held handwritten lucky words and couplets, pasted them on their dormitory doors, and celebrated and welcomed the arrival of the Chinese New Year together.
Leaders from the Foreign Affairs Office of Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee, Exit Entry Management Detachment of Jingzhou Public Security Bureau, Xinfeng Community, School Office, Undergraduate School, Graduate School, Security Department and other departments participated in relevant activities.
