2016 SYSU International Summer Program Retrospect
The 7th Sun Yat-sen University International Summer Program was successfully held during July 18th to August 5th. The summer program, hosted by Sun Yat-sen University and organized by Lingnan (University) College, attracted about 70 international students from all over the world. The activities in the three-week summer program included courses and keynote lectures on Chinese economy, culture, business, history and the Chinese Language, interspersed with various cultural activities and local company visits. The program provided a valuable platform for international students to develop a better understanding of China, especially the economic development and cultural connotations in Pearl River Delta area.
After Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
On the ceremony, ZhangYanmei, Associate Dean of Lingnan (University) College introduced Guangzhou, SYSU and Lingnan to the international students and conveyed the university motto “Study Extensively, Enquire Accurately, Reflect Carefully, Discriminate Clearly, Practice Earnestly” to every participant in her welcoming speech.
After the opening ceremony, the international participants toured around the campus, enjoying the quaint Lingnan-style architecture and unique scenery. Through cordial communication the participants became familiar with each other quickly.
The ice-breaking party was held at Lingnan Hall in the afternoon. A series of activities including “Know Your Neighbor’s Name”game and creative group introductory presentation were carried out. Under the guidance of the Buddy Team, the atmosphere was enlivened quickly. “Red Radish Dūn, Red Radish Dūn, Red Radish DūnWán，White Radish Dūn.” The catchy formula in “Radish Down” game was perfectly digested by our foreign friends.
Ice-breaking Games
Summer Course
According to the different Chinese levels and majors of the participants, the ISP courses were divided into four sections–Chinese Language, China Business Study, Chinese Politics and Cultural Study, Monographic Study on Guangdong/Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan. Key lectures included “Innovation in China”, “The Pan-Pearl River Delta and Guangdong Economy”, “Investment in China”, “Study on Division and Cooperation of the Service Industry in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao”, “Ethnic Problems in Taiwan: Starting with Two Taiwan Movies”, etc.
In order to incorporate Chinese elements into the course and let international participants experience the glamour of Chinese culture, some Chinese traditional cultural practical courses like paper-cutting, Chinese calligraphy, Taiji, and Tea Culture were added into the program.
Attending Lecture
Company Visit
On July 21st, the participants paid a visit to Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Company Limited (HWBYS) to appreciate the good integration of Chinese traditional medicine culture and modern industry. The participants experienced the glamour of Chinese traditional medicine at the company herb garden and museum, and have a taste of herbal tea.
On July 27th, the participants paid a visit to Guangzhou Uniasia Cosmetics Technology Co. Ltd. The participants knew the evolution of Chinese cosmetics from Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties to the contemporary era through the unearthed relics and pictures displayed at the Guangdong Uniasia Beauty & Cosmetics Museum. Besides, the participants got a full understanding of the corporate profile from the corporate history, the production flow, and the product interpretation.
Inside Uniasia Cosmetics
Cultural Visit
The participants took part in two cultural tours during the spare time among intense academic schedule. Exposed to the real Lingnan culture, the participants experienced the characters and glory of Guangzhou and its adjacent cities in the two cultural visits.
On the first weekend, the participants visited Chen Clan’s Academy, Yuexia Park, Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum), Beijing Road Shopping District in Guangzhou. Through the visit, the participants felt the historical precipitation of this “Millennial Commercial Hub”. On the second weekend, the international participants went on a two-day cultural visit in Foshan and Shunde, in which the participants experienced the simplicity and tranquility of the waterside cities, the development of urbanization and furthered understanding of Lingnan culture.
Take a photo with the symbol of the ‘Five Goats City’-Guangzhou
Closing Ceremony
On August 5th, the closing ceremony of 2016 SYSU International Summer Program was held in Swasey Hall. Participants Joseph (Lai Guanwu) from Chinese Taiwan and Patrick Gentry from the United States as well as the “buddy” representative Vivian (ZhangYuwei) from Lingnan College shared their thoughts on the stage. Ms. Liang Geng, Associate Director of International Relations Office of Lingnan (University) College, conferred certificates of completion to every international student and 20 “buddies” from different schools of SYSU.
Show my certificate!
The farewell party was held at Ted Sioeng Student Activity Center that night. “Buddies” and international participants showed their talents in singing, dancing and playing instruments on the party. The farewell party marked a perfect finale to 2016 SYSU International Summer Program.
Singing a adapted SYSU version of Nanshannan
Thanks for Having You here
In such short three weeks, the participants from different counties and regions enriched their knowledge through the colorful and enlightening interactive courses, and experienced Lingnan culture in the visits. While SYSU “Buddies” developed their organizing and teamwork ability in arranging outdoor activities and courses schedule, and broadened their horizon in intercultural communication as well. Among the international participants and SYSU “Buddies”, strong and valuable friendship was built and enhanced. Sun Yat-sen University International Summer Program left every participant a unique and unforgettable memory in this oriental tropical summer.
Grateful for having you here in this summer
