Listen to this articleEntering China, Encountering Villages, Becoming “New Farmers” in China
The stories of international students in China unfold not only in bustling cities but also in beautiful rural areas. From poverty alleviation efforts to rural revitalization initiatives in China, international students are not just observers but active participants.
For the past decade, the story of Southeast University’s targeted assistance to Nanhua County in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, has been widely shared among the international student community. International students have actively engaged in targeted assistance efforts, and during the university’s 120th anniversary celebrations, they actively participated in the “Joining Forces for Targeted Assistance and Promoting Yi Embroidery Culture” Nanhua Yi Embroidery exhibition. They experienced the artistic charm of China’s traditional craftsmanship and intangible cultural heritage, actively promoted the beauty of Nanhua Yi Embroidery on both domestic and international social media, and shared the story of Southeast University’s assistance.
International students also taught cultural courses under the theme “Traveling through the Five Continents.” Imma, a master’s student from Senegal, shared, “Nanhua County was once impoverished but has now been lifted out of poverty and embarked on a new path to rural revitalization. I am fortunate to have been involved in this assistance work by teaching Nanhua students about world cultures, helping them explore a broader world, and experiencing the allure of diverse cultures as a way of repaying the learning opportunities China has provided me.”
This year, the university organized the “Book Drifting, Reading Together” event, where current international students from 24 different countries, including Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, actively participated, planting the seeds of knowledge and love among rural students. Sam, a doctoral student from Iran, personally donated over 100 books during the event and left a message: “Each book is a story, and every story can inspire personal growth. I hope these books can help you see a wider world and become young people who venture into the world, enriching themselves and benefiting their hometown.” As international students become more deeply involved in and knowledgeable about the process of rural revitalization in China, they gradually transform into “new farmers,” contributing to the development of their “second homeland.”
Volunteering in China, Striving for the Best, Continuing the Tradition of Warmth and Love
International students at the university actively engage in volunteer service, further enhancing their understanding and knowledge of Chinese society. In a foreign land, they find a sense of belonging and honor through these experiences.
Their volunteer service covers a wide range of activities, not only at the university level but also in the broader community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students volunteered in the community to support anti-epidemic efforts. On National Memorial Day, they took on active roles as international volunteers at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, conveying messages of peace to the world through civilized guidance, volunteer explanations, translating historical materials, and participating in international exchange activities. Students give back to society through volunteer service, embodying the university’s motto “Striving for the Best” in practical action. They promote the spirit of volunteers, which values dedication, friendship, mutual assistance, and progress, continuing to spread genuine human emotions and goodness.
Perceiving China, Understanding Culture, and Promoting Cultural Integration
The university has established a “Language + Culture” platform for international students to learn Chinese and created new forms of cultural activities that aim to foster cultural individuals and educate through culture. They organize international students to explore various places in China to gain a deeper understanding of the real China and become active contributors to global cultural exchange and integration.
By offering courses in Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting, the university allows students to experience the charm of China’s outstanding traditional culture through artistic creation. They also host themed events during Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival to help international students gain a deeper understanding of Chinese traditional culture and experience the festive atmosphere. Through participating in various competitions, such as the Chinese Bridge “One Minute: Who Is the ‘Product King'” Chinese Challenge, foreign students’ Chinese dubbing shows, and the Tongle Jiangsu Chinese Speech Contest, they improve their Chinese language skills. Students are also led to participate actively in various activities organized by local governments, such as “Melodies of Jiangsu: Exploring the Grand Canal” and “Encountering Xuanwu Lake: Exploring Memories of Nanjing,” to experience the profound and rich culture of China while exploring its roots during their journey.
