International students at Shanghai University celebrated the Lantern Festival on Feb 24 with local students and teachers during the 24th Dean's Afternoon Tea organized by the School of International Education.
They learned to make lanterns and solve lantern riddles during the event, which was a delightful blend of cultural exchange and heartfelt conversations.
Li Yingjie, dean of the School of International Education of Shanghai University, extended her festive greetings and blessings to the students, emphasizing the importance of planning for the future and encouraging students to pursue their aspirations. Vice Dean Chen Xiumeng shared the significance of the Lantern Festival and its cultural relevance, fostering a more profound understanding among the attendees.
Students also shared their experiences during the winter vacation and the Chinese New Year, expressing their goals for the new semester.
"I was invited to a Chinese friend's house to celebrate the New Year, received red envelopes from my friend's parents, and felt very happy. I really like the Chinese New Year and Chinese culture. It feels lively and interesting," said an undergraduate student from Bangladesh.
"I enjoy traveling and have been to many places in China, enjoying the diverse cultures across the country. I hope to have a successful academic year and graduate smoothly," said a mechanical engineering and automation doctoral student from Ghana.
The event served as a platform for students to feel the care and concern of the school's leadership and teachers while providing an immersive experience of the Lantern Festival's cultural charm and folk customs.
