Warm Welcome at the Mid-Autumn Festival——Orientation for Incoming International Students

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) welcomed fall semester’s incoming international students by hosting a welcoming ceremony on the morning of September 9th. OIA’s intent for the ceremony was to help the students grow accustom to the local learning and living environment and to enhance the student’s sense of belonging at SYSBS. Teachers from Office of Curriculum & Degree Affairs, MBA/MPAcc/MPM Education Center, Career Development &Alumni Office, buddies, and student ambassadors attended the ceremony to welcome the 65 new students.

The number of international students arriving at SYSBS this semester has set new records in the school’s history. Nearly 70 students from the U.S, Germany, France, England, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy have come to experience a new life at SYSBS.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Prof. Rose LU, Director of OIA gave a warm welcome to the international students on behalf of the school. She encouraged the students not only to study hard, but also to probe into the long and profound history of Guangzhou, and hoped the students would gain new experiences in terms of culture as well as knowledge. After her welcoming, the students introduced themselves in groups representing their home university; buddies and student ambassadors also spoke at the ceremony. Teachers from different departments were available to answer the students’ questions face to face. Lastly, Director of the International Exchange Programs, Ms. Connie Yan showed the students SYSBS facilities, the International Lounge, and the new general administration.

This welcoming ceremony has been well prepared, with various activities, including Mentor Meeting and Lunch, Buddy Club Activities, and a Culture Tour. Through these various activities, the students were given an opportunity to further grasp Guangzhou customs and deepen their understanding of SYSBS, which would help them to better play their role as a SYSBS student and enhance the sense of belonging to SYSBS and Guangzhou.

Due to the situation that the number of exchange students has increased sharply, our school put forward a series of new initiatives. The international students received a “welcome package” when they arrived at SYSBS, which contains a campus card, a course selection form, a campus map, a transportation brochure, a Guangzhou living guide, etc. This aimed at providing international students with efficient and exceptional services, which created a favorable condition for experiencing the new environment at SYSBS. The students expressed their appreciation for the packages.

The students’ arrival came at a perfect time, they were here to celebrate Mid- Autumn Festival! Each international student was given a moon cake. The students experienced our meticulous and exceptional services and also felt the enthusiasm of SYSBS and the warm culture and atmosphere of traditional Chinese festivals.