On June 24th, 2024, the "Encounter SCODA, Beautiful Qingdao" social practice activity for international students in China was held in Qingdao. This activity is a sub activity of the "My Beautiful Encounter with China" series of activities for international students in China. This activity is sponsored by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange of the Ministry of Education of China and the Management Committee of the Shanghai Cooperation Demonstration Zone. 100 overseas students from 45 countries and 40 Chinese universities will carry out activities such as the cultural exchange experience of the SCO countries, visits to cutting-edge technology and equipment, and cultural experience, so as to feel the Chinese culture and the characteristic industries of Qingdao, and feel the position and role of the Shanghai Cooperation Demonstration Zone in the new platform of "the Belt and Road" international cooperation. Dalian Maritime University Tanzanian doctoral student in Marine Engineering, MAIRUSYA LAWRENT GORDON, and Togolese doctoral student in Law, YOUA NAROU, were invited to participate in this event as winner of the previous "My Beautiful Encounter with China" competition and outstanding member of the "Cloud" choir.

June 25th was MAIRUSYA LAWRENT GORDON’s birthday, and he received an unexpected surprise arranged by the organizers while participating in the event: a huge birthday cake, sincere blessings from all the Chinese and foreign students present, and birthday songs in more than 10 different languages. Applause and laughter continued to ring in the audience, and students from different countries expressed the same love and wishes to MAIRUSYA LAWRENT GORDON in different languages. This unexpected surprise moved MAIRUSYA LAWRENT GORDON to tears. He said that this was the first time he had his own birthday party in his life, and this emotion and gratitude made it impossible for him to express it in words. Let us deeply root our most sincere love and blessings for each other in our hearts, constantly sprout during this event, and continue to pass them on in the future.

Encountering SCODA and Beautiful Qingdao, we believe that international students will not only perceive Chinese culture and Qingdao characteristics, but also experience the achievements of the Shanghai Cooperation Demonstration Zone construction. At the same time, they will continuously enhance each other's trust and emotions, promote and progress together in future learning and work, and play the role of youth in building a community with a shared future for mankind.