On Mar. 1st, the Featured Chinese Program of Global Education Center from East China Normal University held a memorable welcome ceremony in Physics Building. Over 130 international students from more than 30 countries around the world gathered together. They are from the Intensive Chinese, Business Chinese, and GCP Program, embarking on a new journey of Chinese life.

A meticulously designed warm-up game kicked off the welcome event, quickly igniting the enthusiasm on-site and creating an atmosphere that was both joyful and lively. Jessie Zhang Lu, Assistant Director of the Global Education Center, warmly welcomed the new students in her speech, encouraging them to enhance their Chinese communication skills, establishing international friendships, and wishing all students academic progress.

CAMPBELL TIFFANY ANNA-KAY, a student from the UK, shared her experiences to encourage new students to actively integrate into campus life and support each other wholeheartedly. Through three orientation lectures, About Shanghai, Intercultural Communication, and Program Introduction, the new students gained a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s charm, the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, and the arrangements of the Chinese program, which boosted their confidence in learning.

Guided by teachers and the TAs, both new and returning students forged friendships through icebreaker games like “Blowing Balls Across the River” , “Picking Marbles with Chopsticks”, etc. This laid a solid social foundation for their future study and life. The award ceremony for the winning team perfectly concluded the welcome event. This welcome activity not only provided a platform for new students to showcase themselves and understand each other but also strengthened their confidence and expectation towards Chinese learning.