On the afternoon of September 14, 2018, thirty-two governmental officials from across the world visited Jilin Huaqiao University of Foreign Language (HQFUL), to participate in a training program, “Modernization of Governance Systems and Capability Across Society in Developing Nations,” hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce. President Qin He extended a warm welcome and conducted discussions with them.
A picture of President Qin He and Li Dianlong (front center)
with 32 international governmental officials
The officials came from 11 nations: Papua New Guinea, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Laos, Malawi, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Tonga, Venezuela, Uganda and Jamaica. According to the Director of the Program, Li Dianlong from the National School of Development in Peking University, Changchun City was selected as one of
the target cities for the inspection tour in terms of the overall plan of the Program and characteristics of economic and cultural development in China’s cities. “HQUFL was selected for a few reasons,” Li Dianlong added. “HQUFL has a great reputation among international students in its excellent learning conditions and characteristic courses like ‘Chinese Culture Workshop.’ The university has also persistently honored its commitment to the principles of non-profit schooling and the philosophy of conducting ‘student-centered and responsible education,’ cultivating high-quality, application-oriented, and inter-disciplinary talent applicable for foreign business affairs.” He said, “Its educational modes and schooling institutions are similar to those in the colleges and university abroad, thus making it possible for mutual learning and reference. We’d like to make this inspection tour a good chance to promote exchange and cooperation between the university and all the developing states.”
Most notably, it is the second time that Li Dianlong has led international officials on a visit to HQUFL. “As a student of French who graduated from HQUFL in 2011, I am blessed with a deep feeling for it,” he said. “I have been working for the National School of Development in Peking University ever since my graduation. I am proud of the school’s rapid growth and will make contributions to her development in the future.”
The international officials visited the International Exchange Center, the library, and the Global Village – the World Multicultural Education Center. They thought highly of its schooling principles and internationalized campus.
International officials experiencing Chinese paper cutting
After the tour on campus, the international officials learned the craft of Chinese paper cutting by making a Chinese character “Xi” with the help of the teachers from HQUFL’s International Education School.
Gratz Dennis, a congressman of Bosnia and Herzegovina, quickly finished his first paper cutting work of the Chinese character “Xi.” He said in excitement, “It is marvelous that the craft of Chinese paper cutting can help to express complex thought and culture via cutting ordinary paper. HQUFL demonstrates its advanced schooling principles through its culture, facilities and surroundings, particularly the Global Village, an integration of the multicultural world. HQUFL, to a certain degree, has already ranked top in international higher education. I have witnessed a qualified development of Chinese non-governmental higher education and a profound essence of Chinese culture in the activity. I am willing to share what I have obtained in the hope of more cooperation between our universities and HQUFL. I am convinced that it is fruitful to learn Chinese culture here.”
Gratz Dennis showing his paper cutting work
HQUFL has persistently fulfilled its commitment to linking cultures between China and the rest of world, providing opportunities for Chinese students to foster a global mindset and spreading excellent Chinese culture worldwide. That is the top priority mission for all foreign language universities, and has also been the educational principle of HQUFL ever since its establishment in 1995.
In order to further promote the internationalized process of education, HQUFL formally released the “Chinese Culture Workshop” on March 5, 2016, a branding name course for international students. The pragmatic course, also a compulsory course, is available to international students, in order to experience Chinese culture like folk music, Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese knot, kite, Chinese tea art, Chinese martial arts, traditional festival customs and traditional Chinese medicine. Through this course, the students can learn more about the Chinese language and improve their Chinese proficiency, thus gaining a better understanding and a thorough knowledge of China and putting them in a better position to promote Chinese culture abroad.
The international education in HQUFL is well-received among foreign students from all over the world with its great courses featuring practicality, creativity and cultural appeal, and earnest faculty. Over 300 international students are admitted here from 20 plus countries, including South Korea, Italy, Russia, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Cameroon, Armenia and Ukraine.
