The International Development Office (IDO) welcomed the arrival of 11 new incoming international exchange students to start their UIC adventure for the second semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. These new students will join the two international exchange students that have already been studying six months here.
The new exchange students
These students have come from colleges that are collaborative partners with UIC including US institutes Hamline University, Hendrix College, Towson University, Concordia University, Concordia College and Georgia Southern University. Also there is one exchange student from Pforzheim University in Germany.
Director of IDO, Dr Katharina Yu welcoming the new students
With a total of 13 international exchange students at UIC, there are now great opportunities for these students to share their experiences with fellow UIC students.
To get the students familiar with their new home for the next six months, IDO arranged a Zhuhai day trip to show them the sites of the wonderful city.
Students enjoyed a traditional Dim Sum breakfast before seeing the Putuo temple. Then, they toured around New Yuanming Palace, where they got to explore the park. Next, they visited one of Zhuhai’s recognisable symbols, Zhuhai’s Fisher girl. To end the day, the students were able to shop at Youngmix mall, and try local restaurants and snacks.
Tristan Norman from Hendrix College in the US says his experience so far has been “Greatly remarkable”. He mentioned how his home institution had a feeling of proximity to teachers and peers, and he says, “I am excited that UIC will have that possibility [for me], but in a foreign country.”
Students exploring the park
On 13 February, the new exchange students were given several orientation sessions. IDO arranged for representatives from various departments, services and offices to provide an introduction as well as explain some details to the international students about various things.
Kicking off the orientation was Director of IDO, Dr Katharina Yu, and IDO Administrative Officer, Ms Jessica Xiao. They informed the students about the basics of living in Zhuhai as well as providing advice and tips. Associate Director of Whole Person Education Office (WPEO), Mr Thomas Kilian spoke before Academic Registry (AR) Senior Administrative Assistant, Ms Phoebe Wang Yangchen.
Orientation session four was conducted by the Information Technology Service Centre (ITSC) with IT Technician Mr Bruce Chen. Session five involved the Student Affairs Office (SAO) with Junior Student Development Tutor, Ms Sandy Yuan; Administrative Assistant, Fiona Fang; Residence Tutor, Mr Reo Chen; Junior Counselor, Ms Grace Chen.
Orientation session
That afternoon, the students were given a tour by Ms Carolyn Qi around the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) following the orientation. Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLC) Lecturer, Ms Candy Cai Jingjing, tested the Chinese language level of the new exchange students using a placement test to end the day.
New students being given a tour of the LRC
Please give them a them a friendly “Hello” if you see the new international exchange students around campus.
Reporters: Samuel Burgess, Marissa Furney
Photographer: Marissa Furney
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO)
