From August 27 to 31, the 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo was held in Changchun, Jilin Province. JISU selected 102 student volunteers who provided services such as translation, guidance, and reception for this grand event with their professional competence and youthful enthusiasm. This marks the fifteenth consecutive time the university has undertaken volunteer service work for the China-Northeast Asia Expo, having dispatched over 1,600 volunteers cumulatively to date, contributing more than 90,000 hours of volunteer service.
Group photo of all volunteers
The volunteers came from language majors including English, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Russian, and Spanish. Leveraging their solid language skills and cross-cultural communication abilities, they precisely met the needs of units such as China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Jilin Provincial Committee, the Jilin Provincial Department of Commerce, and the Jilin Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, undertaking critical tasks including translation and accompaniment, guest reception, and venue guidance. From assisting foreign delegations with registration procedures, to providing real-time translation for cross-border negotiations, and guiding exhibitors through the exhibition layout, the volunteers achieved a flawless service standard, building bridges of communication among guests from various countries and becoming a vibrant youthful presence at the Expo.
Wang Zhengxiang (third from left) from Class 2301, Spanish major, School of Occidental Languages, serving the delegation of the President of the Mexican National Chamber of Commerce
This volunteer service inspired the volunteers greatly. Everyone unanimously expressed their commitment to consistently practicing the spirit of volunteers featuring “contribution, friendship, mutual support and progress,” transforming their academic expertise into practical social service capabilities, showcasing the responsibility and commitment of Chinese youth on the international stage, and writing the chapter of youth in the new era with concrete actions.
Volunteer service reflections
Yu Wenyu, Class 2402, Subject Teaching (English), School of English: Participating in the Jilin economic and trade inspection as a translation volunteer accompanying the delegation of the President of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce was, for me, both a practical test of my professional skills and a precious journey witnessing the warmth of Sino-foreign cooperation. Being able to use my expertise to pave the linguistic path for economic and trade cooperation between the two regions brings me pride far greater than any honor. I look forward to seeing more “Made in Jilin” products enter Mexico in the future, and also hope that more unique products and culture from abroad can reach China through cooperation. We, the young people who have participated in this, will ultimately carry forward this initial aspiration of being “connectors” and continue our stories on a broader stage.
Yu Wenyu (first from left) took a photo with the delegation from the Mexican National Industry Association
Huang Sitian, Class 2403, Japanese Major, School of Oriental Languages: The Northeast Asia Expo allowed me to touch the nuances of different cultures while also fostering my own growth. These bits of knowledge beyond textbooks, like pearls scattered throughout the grand event, strung together my most vivid understanding of “cultural diversity.” Volunteer service at international events has never been just about “completing tasks.” We broke down barriers with sincerity, allowing every cultural symbol to be gently interpreted. This gain excites me far more than any certificate; the passion of youth should be poured out precisely in places that connect the world.
Translation volunteers posed for a group photo with exhibitors
Zheng Zhitong, Class 2402, Russian Major, School of Central and Eastern European Languages: Participating in this Northeast Asia Expo was a valuable practical opportunity for me. As the accompanying translator for the Russia-China Chamber of Commerce inspection team, I was involved in everything from the initial meet-and-greet upon their arrival in Changchun, to participating in the local cooperation round table meeting, and visiting the Changchun New Area Planning Exhibition Hall... I handled every activity personally and saw each through from start to finish. Adhering to the university’s educational philosophy of “Mastering Foreign Languages, Being a Qualified Chinese Citizen, and Telling China’s Story Well,” I introduced China and Changchun to the foreign guests. This experience not only enhanced my practical Russian application skills but also made me understand the mission of foreign language learners: to use language as a vessel, carrying China’s voice and sincerity for cooperation, riding the waves of international exchange, and injecting youthful energy into the nation’s opening-up endeavors!
Zheng Zhitong provided translation for the Russia-China Chamber of Commerce delegation
