From May 24th to 27th, 2018, the "First Sichuan International Students' Culture Festival," hosted by the Department of Education of Sichuan Province, was held at Xichang University. International students from 27 undergraduate and vocational colleges across the province, representing over 40 countries, were invited to participate in this event. The opening ceremony was attended by Peng Yi, Deputy Director of the Department of Education of Sichuan Province, and Liao Fei, Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Division of the Department of Education.
Fan Chen, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office and Deputy Director of the International Students' Management Office, and Teacher Zhang Jingjing from the International Cooperation and Exchange Division led 12 international students from our college to this festival. The festival featured a variety of activities, including the "Chinese Elements in My Country" speech contest, the "My Study Life and Sichuan in My Eyes" photography competition, an international students' talent show, and cultural and sports activities to experience the Liangshan culture.
After online voting and on-site expert evaluation, Qing Song, an international student, successfully advanced to the final of the "Chinese Elements in My Country" speech contest. He delivered a speech titled "Seeing China in Laos," presenting the Chinese elements in Laos from a novel perspective and with a unique narrative style. His speech received a standing ovation and won an Excellence Award.
Among the 11 institutions designated by the Department of Education to participate in the talent show, Leshan Vocational and Technical College was the only vocational college. Eight international students from Laos and Thailand, dressed in traditional Chinese Hanfu, performed the Chinese classical dance "The Book of Songs · Cai Wei," showcasing the cultural achievements of our international students in China.
In the "My Study Life and Sichuan in My Eyes" photography exhibition, 16 works taken by students from Laos and Thailand displayed their views of Sichuan and their colorful study life in China. These works received the highest score from the on-site expert evaluation and won the second prize after combining the online voting scores.
During the event, a work experience exchange meeting for international students was also held. Liao Fei, Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Division of the Department of Education, pointed out that international students are the bridge connecting China and the world and the foundation for China's international "Double First-Class" construction. Conducting international student work is a great responsibility and a challenging task. Colleges and universities should cooperate sincerely, conduct in-depth research, and be brave in practice to ensure the quality and quantity of international student work. To do a good job with international students, it is necessary to have a unified consensus across the entire university, make strategic plans, leverage the advantages of unique and strong disciplines, and standardize the work process.
Gao Yuan, Director of the International Students' Affairs Department of the International Exchange Center of the Department of Education, conveyed the basic situation, guiding principles, and requirements of the Ministry of Education regarding international student work in the new era. She also interpreted the Ministry of Education's policy on "Regulations for the Recruitment and Training of International Students by Schools."
Representatives from participating institutions exchanged experiences on the organizational structure of international student work, recruitment, and management and services for international students.
During the two-day event, international students also participated in the "Experience Xichang" off-campus practical activities and sports and cultural exchange activities. They personally experienced the Yi culture and natural scenery of Liangshan, and were deeply impressed by the magnificent landscapes of China and the profound Chinese culture.
