Wuhan University’s fall 2016 semester began on September 4th. Besides new students from across the country, international students also came to the campus. They traveled thousands of miles, coming from Turkey, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and the United State of America among other countries. Here are some stories from their orientation week.
Extending a helping hand
Each year when the fall semester begins, the International Student Apartment in Fengyuan Campus is filled with new-comers. Last year when Ke Yun, a Chinese student from the Economics and Management School, passed by the apartment, he saw many new international students lingering around. These freshmen had trouble going through the registration formalities, while the language barrier kept them from receiving proper help from the school staff.
At that moment, Ke Yun came up with an idea. Since there are so many students majoring in different foreign languages in Wuhan University, why not gather them to assist our new international schoolmates? His idea soon got the support of the International Education School. In July, their volunteer program launched the first round of recruitment.
Group photo of the volunteers
Zhou Mengyao, a girl from the School of Foreign Language and Literature, was selected as a group member. Before she took the post, she received training on English skills and how to introduce the information and history of Wuhan University. Zhou and other volunteers were allocated to teams with different responsibilities: picking up students at the airport, guiding them through the campus or providing information in the reception hall. Mengyao was appointed to serve in Office 103 and help international students with the registration procedure.
On the third day of her service, Mengyao met a new student from Kazakhstan—Tulakbaev Yernur, who came to ask about his accommodation information. Suddenly the computer broke down, so they had an opportunity to get acquainted with each other.
Tulakbaev is a PhD candidate majoring in international relations. This is his second year in China. He heard that Wuhan University ranks top ten in China and decided to file his application. “China and Kazakhstan have long been good friends. It provides an opportunity for me to study abroad.” He said.
Zhou helped Tulakbaev fill in his accommodation form. After everything was settled, he asked Zhou to show him around the campus. Mengyao guided him through the library and playgrounds, introducing the sights and stories along the way. In return, Tulakbaev invited her to try his self-made pasta.
Volunteer Zhou Mengyao and International Student Tulakbaev Yernur
The volunteer program lasted for a week from September 5th to 9th. 82 volunteers from different schools joined the team to offer help to over 1,000 international students.
“I hope the program will become a regular event in the future,” said Ke Yun, the program initiator. “It not only brings international students convenience, but also strengthens their ties with native students.”
Speaking at the inauguration
“We come from different places of the world. Unfamiliar dialect, strange food and new classmates——these are challenges of a new environment. Everyone is feeling a little bit nervous.”
This is a piece from the speech of Shi Rusheng——the international student delegate at this year’s inauguration. Though his pronunciation was not as good as other speakers’, Shi’s speech got the most cheers and applause.
Shi Rusheng speaking on stage
Shi Rusheng, whose English name is Micah Sprouffske, is a new student from the state of Oregon, USA. During his bachelor years in Oregon University, Shi had many courses on archaeology and linguistics. Gradually he learned about ancient Chinese language and culture, which soon aroused his interest. In search for better education and a Chinese-speaking environment, Shi decided to apply for a master's degree in Wuhan University.
What surprised him was that soon after his arrival, he was chosen as the international student delegate who would speak at the inauguration. “I was standing in the dormitory hall when a teacher called me to the office. He gave me the opportunity. But there were only three days left to prepare.” Shi Said.
Luckily, he didn’t have to work on his own. Mr. Zhang from the International Students Office, International Education School offered him many suggestions. As Shi described, each time he went to Mr. Zhang for advice, he saw his office packed with many international students. Zhang was busy with the work during the orientation week. Nevertheless, he could always squeeze some time out of his busy schedule to discuss about Shi’s speech draft. “I am really grateful for his help.” Shi said.
Now Shi has started a new life in Wuhan University. He joined three clubs on campus, namely Climbing Club, Dancing Club and Shakespeare Drama Club. “No matter what you like, you can always find someone who shares your interest here.” Shi said in his speech. After the inauguration, his friend from the Shakespeare Drama Club came to send congratulations.
(Edited by Zhang Ran, Edmund & Hu Sjia)
