From early September to the present, 79 international students from nine countries—Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Turkey—have successively registered and enrolled in the 2019 fall semester at Leshan Vocational and Technical College, beginning their academic and daily lives at the college. As a result, the current number of international students on campus has reached 180, including degree students, exchange students, language students, and others. They are enrolled in various programs across different departments such as the Basic Public Courses Department, Medicine, Nursing, Finance and Management, Pharmacy, Tourism, and Electronic Information Engineering.
In order to ensure a smooth welcome for this year's international students, help them quickly adapt to their studies and life in China, and enhance their sense of belonging, the college has made meticulous and detailed arrangements in a series of activities.
Optimizing the Registration Process and Emphasizing Humanistic Care
Since early September, the International Cooperation Office, the International Student Management Office, international student counselors, and the International Student Union have been actively engaged in the welcome activities. They have arranged for dedicated staff to meet new students at airports and train stations. The college has also cleaned the dormitories and prepared bedding for the new students. Upon arrival, the new students have been assisted with accommodation registration at the local police station, convenient processing of temporary campus cards, and the handling of bank cards and phone cards. Additionally, they have been guided through the registration of student IDs and academic records, familiarized with the campus and its surroundings, undergone medical check-ups, and assisted with the application for residence permits. By refining various aspects of the welcome services, international students are made to feel the warmth and enthusiasm of the college administration and fellow students as soon as they step onto campus.
Delivering the First Class of the Semester and Clarifying Learning Objectives
In late October, under the guidance of the International Student Management Office, the first class of the semester for the three international student classes in the Basic Public Courses Department was held in classrooms 2A102, 103, and 104, with counselors as the main instructors. During the class, the International Student Management Department provided explanations and interpretations of Chinese laws and university regulations. It also conducted safety and mental health education for international students. Furthermore, counselors engaged in discussions with the students about their majors, career prospects, and learning goals, helping them understand Chinese policies and regulations, motivating them to study, and assisting them in adapting to campus life. The counselors also set clear expectations for international students regarding the college's rules and regulations and expressed high hopes for their academic performance at the college.
Re-electing the International Student Union
By 2019, the International Student Union had already reached its third term. This year's election was conducted through Chinese-language speeches and voting by all international students. Given the increase in the number of countries and students, the re-election of the International Student Union included representatives from each country, transforming the union into a true platform for international students to showcase themselves and for cultural exchange.
Organizing Cultural and Sports Activities to Enhance Mutual Understanding
The International Student Union organized a series of activities, including the "2019 International Student Welcome Ice-Breaking Activity." On the afternoon of November 16th, a badminton tournament for international students was held in the college's multi-functional gymnasium, a "volleyball tournament for international students" was held on the outdoor sports field, and a "carnival for international students" was organized on the college playground. Fun activities such as musical chairs, balloon stomping, and team games were also conducted. These activities allowed international students to build friendships and boost their motivation and confidence in their studies and daily lives.
Through this series of welcome activities, timely guidance and detailed care have been provided to the new international students. These efforts have helped them integrate more quickly and smoothly into the campus life at Leshan Vocational and Technical College, reducing the difficulties associated with initial cross-cultural adaptation and providing significant support for their academic and daily lives at the college.
