Reported by Hafiz Bilal Naveed
Dec, 14th, friday night has a weekend night so special for international experts and students for those they share school of material science and engineering (SMSE) as a platform for their research. In order to deepen the relationship between foreign experts and international students, and promote cultural exchanges between different countries and regions, they gathered in the beautiful No. One Meeting Room, SMSE, Zhongying Building for an informal meeting.
Gathering started at 18:30 pm and people joined besides their busy research schedule. SMSE has experts and students from Australia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Korea, Mali, Pakistan, Ukraine and United Kingdom, who gathered in one room along with their family members for whom Xi’an has been their second home. Dean Assistant, Prof Wei Zhang also attended this party.
Mr. Hamza Sheikh and Ms. Sana Ayub were chosen as presenters for that informal evening. Attendees were first enlightened by presenting the history and culture of China. Prof. Zhang Wei welcomed everyone at the gathering and facilitated a relaxed environment as he presented the history of SMSE at XJTU and the historical city of Xi’an. Prof. Zhang also briefed everyone about the idea of international collaboration of school followed by the start of English taught master and PhD program three years ago. He then reported the development and progress of that widened collaboration school has enjoyed over the past decade.
After that, Ms. Shasha Yang has given the history of Jiaotong University and its transformation from Shanghai to Xi’an.Attendees were entertained with informal presentation of food and drinks as they helped themselves with snacks, fruits, coffee and juices. Along with refreshments enjoyed by the foreigners, cultures were displayed by individual representing their respective countries. Representatives of India, Pakistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Mali and Australia reported notable cultural attributes of their countries in a well prepared power point presentation (PPT). Highlights of the PPT include prominent foods and common customs along with different ways of celebrating wedding and other festive events. Internal experts from India have presented a singing and dance performances, a worthy exhibition of the possession of their natural skill. View of main campus from student dormitories to SMSE study rooms and labs was screened from the eye of a foreigner through a 5 min movie. Foreign students and experts have appreciated the environment and routine they enjoy at main campus for their stay and research work.
Night of international gathering was a demonstration of rich and divergent cultural presentation for the foreign and Chinese audience. The young and energetic international fellows made it one of the memorable nights for everyone gathered, internationals and their families.
