Old Friends, New Blooms

With autumn approaching bringing clearer air and cooler weather, the Opening Ceremony for the 30th Anniversary of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies Programs for International Students was held in the Lecture Hall of Building 6 on October 29th and 30th.

Confucius, a great philosopher from China, once said: “How happy we are / To have friends from afar! ” At around 9:30, people of different races, colors, ages and languages gathered outside the Lecture Hall, greeting, talking and laughing. Inside the Lecture Hall, it was a joyful and happy scene to see. Some of the old faculty members and students who have witnessed the process and progress of programs for international students were present. Excitement and genuine joy overflowed on their faces. As a retired staff remarked， “I come back with pride and glory”. He was just like an old soldier, though he has never enlisted in the army. To be more exact, he was like a retired captain who used to sail in search for a completely new land of international education.

With President of GDUFS, ZHONG Weihe’s attendance and all the guests being seated, the Opening Ceremony began. Beginning the ceremony, ZHONG looked back on the fruitful history and expressed his sincere thanks and respect to the predecessors, stating the importance of internationalization of the advanced education in modern times. It’s an anniversary in memory of the treasured and inspiring history of the past 30 years, and it is also a prospect of following improvement and development. Best wishes for new start were given to GDUFS, especially the programs for international students.

President ZHONG Weihe gave an address

As for the foreign students, they expressed deep love and affection to both GDUFS and China, as well as other cultures. They study Chinese on the soil from which the towering tree grows and blossoms. Confucian philosophy, Chinese calligraphy and Chinese cuisine are like delicate shells to pick up near the ocean of ancient China. Besides, more than 2700 foreign students from over 130 countries and regions are undoubtedly new blood. They refresh the Chinese memory dating back 5,000 years; they add flickers and glimmers to the starry night; they make the amazing cocktail mixing cultures. Indeed it is meaningful.

International students smiling joyfully

All in all, programs for international students are in great measure an epitome of China’s Reform and Opening. It is also consistent with the improving globalization, both in the economy and in culture. Thirty years has passed, and “with firm strides we are crossing its summit”. Like the retired staff member said:” How glorious! Keep going! Hope lies upon you!”