Cross-Cultural Exchange Activity Held by the International School of Guangzhou Huali College and the International School of Jinan University
On March 21, 2025, the International School of Guangzhou Huali College and the International School of Jinan University collaboratively organized a cross-cultural exchange activity for Chinese and international faculty and students. The event took place at the Teacher Activity Center on the third floor of the Second Social Science Building on the Shipai Campus.
The exchange activity was attended by more than 30 participants, including Ms. Jingsong Song, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the International School of Jinan University, faculty members from the Student Affairs Office –Ms. Jiajia Yu, Ms. Luoyao Yang and Ms. Xiaoqian Li, Dr. Nima Azarakhsh and Dr. Pallavi Jayavanth as well as international students enrolled in the Ph.D. and Master's programs in Chinese Studies, the Master's program in Biomedical Science and the six-year undergraduate MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program.
Representatives from the International School of Guangzhou Huali College included Professor Shuze Tang, Dean of the International School of Guangzhou Huali College, Dr. Wenzhen Mai, Secretary of the Directly Affiliated Party Branch and Assistant to the Dean, Mr. Yinan, Du, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office and internationally educated faculty members Ms. Ruixue Yang (educated in the United States), Ms. Heng Quan (Australia), Ms. Yujing Huang (Canada) and Mr. Aotian Liang (Singapore). In addition, student representatives from the classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024 participated, bringing the total number of attendees over 20. The event was co-hosted by Ms. Jingsong Song and Professor Shuze Tang.
The cross-cultural exchange activity between Chinese and foreign teachers and students from two different universities
Ms. Song first welcomed the representatives from the International School of Guangzhou Huali College and introduced the participating teacher representatives, including foreign faculty, as well as undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students from various countries attending the exchange event. She provided a brief overview of the 24-year history of the International School of Jinan University, highlighting its scale, academic offerings and student demographics, including those from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and other international regions. Additionally, she outlined the school's distinctive educational features, achievements and its growing influence both domestically and internationally.
Ms .Song delivered a welcome speech and introduced the International School of Jinan University with its English-medium–instruction (EMI) teaching
Dean Tang delivered an engaging and informative lecture titled " Science and Culture of Chinese Tea" presented entirely in English to both Chinese and international faculty and students.
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Professor Tang delivered a lecture titled " Science and Culture of Chinese Tea "
Using clear and accessible language along with real-life examples, Dean Tang introduced the audience to the diverse varieties of Chinese tea, its unique health benefits and the scientific principles underlying its properties. His lecture highlighted the extensive research and remarkable achievements of Chinese scientists in the field of tea science, showcasing the profound depth and charm of Chinese tea culture.
Professor Tang introduced the types and characteristics of Chinese tea
Professor Tang explained the scientific mysteries of the health benefits and sensory characteristics of Chinese tea
Dean Tang's humorous and insightful lecture style was well-received by the audience, drawing rounds of applause from the international students. They were captivated by the intricate relationship between tea science and cultural heritage and enthusiastically engaged by asking thoughtful questions, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere.
The international students eagerly asked questions (the questioner was a doctoral student in China Studies program)
The international students eagerly asked questions (the questioner was an undergraduate student in the MBBS program)
Following the lecture, students from the International School of Guangzhou Huali College and the International School of Jinan University participated in an interactive face-to-face exchange. In a relaxed and cheerful environment, participants gradually let go of their initial reservations, openly sharing their perspectives on tea science and culture, introducing the unique cultural traditions of their home countries, and discussing their experiences in language learning and academic studies. The room was filled with laughter and joy of shared curiosity and mutual appreciation.
Dr. Wenzhen Mai introduced the students from the International School of Guangzhou Huali College to the international students
Students from two different universities exchanged and shared their experiences
Students from two different universities exchanged and shared their experiences
Students from two different universities exchanged and shared their experiences
Teachers and Students from two different universities exchanged and shared their experiences
Teachers and Students from two different universities exchanged and shared their experiences
This cross-cultural exchange activity not only fostered deeper friendships among students from different cultural backgrounds but also significantly enhanced their intercultural communication competencies. Throughout the interaction, students had meaningful opportunities to practice their English communication skills while developing a deeper respect for and understanding of cultural diversity.
Participants expressed that the event had broadened their international outlook and enriched their intellectual horizons. Many noted that they had gained valuable insights and looked forward to participating in similar events in the future, which they saw as opportunities for mutual learning, personal growth and collaborative development.
Introduction to the International School of Jinan University
The International School of Jinan University was established in June 2001 and represents a distinctive English-Medium Instruction (EMI), multidisciplinary and internationally-oriented academic institution. The school operates under a cooperative educational model in collaboration with various professional schools within the university, offering EMI programs that align with the principles and standards of global higher education. The school comprises several administrative and academic units, including the Administrative Office, the Teaching and Research Office, the Student Affairs Office, the Language Course Teaching and Research Office, the Public Basic Course Teaching and Research Office, the International Cooperation Project Office, the Master’s/Doctoral Program Office in Chinese Studies and the Full-English Teaching Faculty Club.
The International School offers full-English degree programs in eleven majors across six academic disciplines: humanities, economics, management, science, engineering and medicine. These programs include a doctoral program in China Studies, master’s program in China Studies and Biomedical Science and bachelor's programs in the following fields: International Economics and Trade, Accounting, Clinical Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Pharmacy, Finance, Computer Science and Technology and International Journalism and Communication. The school’s student, faculty and employment are characterized by different international dimensions:
International Students: To date, the school has welcomed students from 96 countries and regions. Currently, nearly 1,800 students are enrolled in its EMI programs, over 70% of whom are from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or overseas Chinese communities.
International Faculty: Approximately 90% of the school’s faculty members have acquired study, training or work experience abroad. The school currently employs 30 to 40 full-time and part-time international foreign teachers. As of June 2024, the School has conducted 15 qualification exams for full-English teaching (specifically for non-English majors), with a total of 902 participants. Out of these, 554 teachers have successfully passed and obtained their English-medium teaching qualification certificates.
International Employment: More than 7,000 students from 96 countries and regions around the world have been trained. Among the graduates, 30% pursue further studies at world-renowned universities, 30% are employed by multinational corporations and 30% work in foreign-related enterprises and institutions.
Former Deans: Dr. Bohua Sun (South African, Professor of Civil Engineering, 2001-2005); Dr. Shuze Tang (Irish, Professor of Food Science, 2006-2015); Dr. Liwei Wang (British, Professor of Physiology, 2016-2020); Dr. Pei Yu (Hong Kong, Professor of Pharmacy, 2021-2024).
Current Dean: Dr. Yong Wang (Professor of Food Science).
International school website：http://ischool.jnu.edu.cn
Written by Ms. Heng Quan
Photo by Ms. Ruixue Yang
Revised by Dr. Salome Tsikhiseli
Approved by Prof. Shuze Tang
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