On the morning of March 3rd, the International College solemnly held the 2025 Spring Semester Language Program Opening Ceremony. Attending the ceremony were Li Huan, Deputy Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation; Chen Baiman, Deputy Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and Vice Dean of the International College; Yang Danyu, Vice Dean of the International College; along with all faculty members of the college. The event was co-hosted by teachers Wang Dazhuang and Chen Haidan.
This semester marks the expansion of class structures from the previous three standard cohorts to four refined tiered classes, establishing for the first time a four-tiered progression system spanning from absolute beginners to advanced levels. The college has further expanded its student demographics to include countries such as Egypt. Nearly 40 international students from 21 countries, including the United States, Russia, Switzerland, Mexico, Brazil, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, embarked on a new journey of learning the Chinese language and culture with fresh expectations for the semester.
Concurrently, joint program courses with Edinburgh Napier University are scheduled to commence imminently, followed by the launch of cooperative programs with Ecuador's UPSE University in May. Total international student enrollment this semester is projected to exceed 100 students, reaching a new milestone for the institution.
Vice Dean Chen Baiman delivered a welcome speech and warmly welcomed the international students. He briefly introduced Dongguan, a charming city, and put forward three expectations to the students: to maintain a strong interest in culture and actively integrate into the learning and life of Dongguan workers; Adhere to school rules and discipline, and personal management; Strengthen international cultural exchanges and jointly promote harmonious development.
Li Huan wears the emblem of Dongguan University of Technology for student representatives. The school emblem shines brightly, symbolizing honor and responsibility, and also represents the beginning of learning and life at DGUT.
Teacher representative Lisa Sun spoke, emphasizing the importance of learning Chinese, encouraging international students to strive to improve their Chinese proficiency, deepen their understanding of Chinese culture, and expecting them to become bridges for international cultural exchange, enhancing international friendship and cooperation.
In the interactive session, international students shared their cultural backgrounds, interests, and future dreams in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Liu Xinlin and Li Yong from Mexico shared their learning experience at DGUT and expressed their beautiful aspirations for the new semester.
Teacher Fiona conducted a comprehensive safety education course for international students. She explained in detail the things to pay attention to during her study in China, covering multiple aspects such as traffic safety, accommodation safety, and network security. She emphasized the importance of complying with Chinese laws, regulations, school rules, and discipline, and introduced ways to seek help in emergency situations.
After the opening ceremony, the international students visited the campus under the guidance of Teacher Lara. International students are enthusiastic and take photos, expressing they are having colorful new chapter on this beautiful campus of Dongguan University of Technology.