The cool autumn winds breeze and the clouds are pale. It’s back-to-school season.
On August 31st, after the 2016 UCAS Opening Ceremony was held, both new and current international students went to the UCAS Yanqihu campus for orientation and an autumn outing. Gayan Pathirana Ullala Pathiranagep, a new masters student from Sri-Lanka, represented new international students and gave a speech at the ceremony. He shared his intentions and feelings about studying in China, and expressed his resolution to work hard. This year UCAS International College provided the international students with simultaneous interpretation devices, and invited simultaneous interpreters to translate the ceremony.
After the ceremony, international students visited the UCAS library and listened to a brief introduction about the library. Librarians gave students a tour. The international students then visited the Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb and Man-Made Satellite Memorial Hall. They took photos and discussed the Chinese scientists who have overcome all obstacles and difficulties, starting from scratch, and yet ultimately achieved great things.
Yan mountain and Yanqi Lake are two beautiful “must see” scenic spots near the campus. Students stepped up to the viewing platform in a joyful mood to get a bird’s eye view of both the campus and the lake. The Sunrise Kempinski Hotel stands near the lake, where birds sway, bob, and swing in search of food. Students also walked down the boardwalk for a close encounter with Yanqi Lake. Finally, students visited the APEC conference site.
The return bus was filled with laughter and chatter from international students. This was a prefect journey and a great start for what lies ahead, as the International College will be the first station for them. They will study both Chinese and Chinese culture at the International College. Professional courses will be taught in English to help them adapt to the study environment at UCAS as well as the research atmosphere of CAS, all while living in a global, multicultural environment.
By Chen Feng & Tan Yudong
