From June 24-30, 2024, the "Encounter SCODA · Beautiful Qingdao" International Student Social Practice Activity was held in Qingdao. This activity is an innovative exploration of the "My Beautiful Encounter with China" activity series for international students in China. It was jointly organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) of the Ministry of Education and the SCO Demonstration Zone Management Committee, and jointly organized by the China Shanghai Cooperation Organization School of Economics and Trade and Qingdao Preschool Teachers College, receiving strong support from local government departments. Dalian Maritime University (DMU) 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 award winner of the previous "My Beautiful Encounter with China" competition and outstanding members of the "Cloud" choir.
During the period of seven days, nearly 100 outstanding international students from 45 countries and 40 Chinese universities gathered in Qingdao to deeply explore the innovative practices and development achievements of the SCO Demonstration Zone in building a new platform for international cooperation along the "the Belt and Road" and feel the important role of Qingdao in the construction of a modern and powerful Shandong province through activities such as cultural exchange experiences, visits to cutting-edge technology and equipment etc.
Through this event, international students have gained an immersive experience by experiencing intangible cultural heritage, appreciating the customs of mountains and seas, appreciating the charm of intelligent manufacturing, and understanding the development process of Qingdao. Through this experience, they have further perceived China, and enhanced mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
我从“邂逅上合，美丽青岛”这一世界性的跨文化项目中看到了中国有愿意、有能力通过文化、贸易、科技创新向世界开放、为世界带来便利与和谐。在项目中中国影都、青岛港人工智能技术、iFly Tek等等都留下了深刻印象。在此次活动中，我还看到了中国人民对国际社会的真挚关爱。6月25日，我收到了来自青岛活动组织方的一个大蛋糕和鲜花。当我看到来自多个国家的100多人用不同的语言唱着一首歌并祝我生日快乐时，我泪流满面，这是我一生都不会忘记的惊喜。我要特别感谢大连海事大学留学生教育中心的老师们和我的同学们对我的支持、指导以及给我这个机会。我希望能够成文文化和技术交流的使者，让我们把中国的创新技术带到我的国家和世界更多地方，帮助人们创造更美好的世界。
——马仁皓（MAIRUSYA LAWRENT GORDON）
在“邂逅上合，美丽青岛”项目中，我意识到青岛不仅仅是一个啤酒品牌，它实际上代表了一个象征，它独特的城市建设风格、现代化基础设施给我留下了深刻的印象，青岛已成为中国文化的一个象征。同时，我意识到中国人民在努力改善生活的同时，也非常注意保护他们的文化和传统。此外，“一带一路”倡议也反映出中国愿意与世界特别是发展中国家分享发展理念和发展经验。我想很多人实际上并没有意识到中国已经达到了怎样的发展水平。我真的很幸运能参加这个项目，让我们不仅体验、理解和见证了中国社会和文化的发展，也见证了中国人民从哪里来、在成长的路上走了多远。中国人民在改善自己生活的同时，还在积极与世界分享、让更多的人民从中受益。
"My Beautiful Encounter with China" series of activities for international students studying in China is a "Study in China" brand event jointly created by the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the Ministry of Education and the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) of the Ministry of Education. The aim is to build a practical platform to further tell the story of China, and promote cultural exchanges and common progress among young people from different countries.
