As September comes, students across the country are eagerly welcoming the new academic year of their studies. Recently, universities in Guangdong have been hosting ceremonies to celebrate the beginning of the fall semester and the arrival of incoming students. What hopes and expectations do students have for their new lives?
The Inauguration Ceremony 2024 of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, September 1, 2024 (Photo provided by CUHK-Shenzhen)
Students at the Inauguration Ceremony 2024 of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, September 1, 2024 (Photo provided by CUHK-Shenzhen)
Students at the Inauguration Ceremony 2024 of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, September 1, 2024 (Photo provided by CUHK-Shenzhen)
The Opening Ceremony of Fall Semester 2024 at the Institute for International Education, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, September 2, 2024 (Photo by Chen Siyuan)
Students reunite with friends at the beginning of the new semester, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, September 2, 2024. (Photo by Chen Siyuan)
Students meet friends at the beginning of the new semester, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, September 2, 2024. (Photo by Chen Siyuan)
Dana Kalambaeva, an incoming student from Russia, will begin her studies in the undergraduate programme of Data Science at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
"I know Shenzhen is called the Chinese Silicon Valley," said Kalambaeva, expressing her impression of the city. "And I would like to explore different places and then compare them with Russia," said the girl, who grew up in a small city located at the border between Asia and Europe and has always been fascinated by the difference between cultures.
For the fall semester of 2024, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen reports 240 newly admitted international undergraduates from 16 countries, hitting a record high.
Undoubtedly, the experience with people from different cultures has always been one of the biggest draws for international students.
"We've heard about how attentive people here (in China) are and how determined they are to study, and I really would like to learn from them and have it in my lifestyle," said Daniela Garrido, a student from Ecuador who is going to start her studies in the Chinese language together with her twin sister Natalia at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
While students in Ecuador usually live in their own houses or apartments and do not share space with others, Natalia likes the idea of having roommates in dorms. "I really like this idea as I'm excited to share rooms with people from different cultures and learn from them," said the girl.
Abdulraoof Rafat Ammar, a new undergraduate student from Jordan, is about to study the Chinese language and International Business at the same university. Before coming to China, he has travelled to numerous countries where he found Chinese people everywhere. "Everybody needs a translator. That's why I came here. I want to help people understand each other and be a way of connecting people together," he said.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photo | Chen Siyuan, CUHK-Shenzhen
Editor | Nan, James
