International Day celebrates cultural diversity and friendship in Lingnan

22 Oct 2014

Prof Shalendra Sharma (fifth from right), Prof Mette Hjort (sixth from left), Dr Frank Law (middle), Mr Simon Ip (sixth from right), Prof Stephen Chan (fourth from right), Prof Grace Lau (third from right) and other senior management members of the university officiate the kick-off ceremony.

Prof Shalendra Sharma (fifth from right), Prof Mette Hjort (sixth from left), Dr Frank Law (middle), Mr Simon Ip (sixth from right), Prof Stephen Chan (fourth from right), Prof Grace Lau (third from right) and other senior management members of the university officiate the kick-off ceremony.

Two exchange students performing Mexican traditional dance. 

Two exchange students performing Mexican traditional dance. 

Students from different countries spent a joyful evening together on the International Day. 

Students from different countries spent a joyful evening together on the International Day. 

View the video snapshots of event
 

The campus of Lingnan University was filled with joy and cheers today (22 October 2014) as the vibrant colours of different cultures were being presented on its International Day 2014.

Carrying the theme of “Friendships are Merry” this year, the International Day is an annual event of Lingnan University, showcasing the liberal arts institution’s internationalised campus life through an array of performances, handicrafts, games and even cuisines from various cultures and countries.

A major objective of Lingnan’s liberal arts education is to provide students with international exposure and whole-person development, particularly through cultural exchange. The University has entered into agreements with nearly 160 partner institutions worldwide, covering 34 countries in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Americas. In the current semester alone, Lingnan has received 196 inbound exchange students from overseas countries and Mainland China. On the other hand, two out of three Lingnan students are able to go on exchange for a semester during their undergraduate study. Currently, about one-seventh of the University’s student population are non-local full-programme or semester-long exchange students. And 53% of its academic staff members are from overseas.

Prof Shalendra Sharma, Acting Vice-President gave the opening remarks and Prof Mette Hjort, Associate Vice-President (Academic Quality Assurance and Internationalisation) delivered an opening speech at the event’s kick-off ceremony. Dr Frank Law, Chairman of the Court, Mr Simon Ip, Deputy Chairman of the Council, Prof Stephen Chan, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs) and Registrar, and Prof Grace Lau, Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs) also attended the ceremony.

After the kick-off ceremony, Lingnan students from different countries staged a variety of exciting and unique cultural performances, including Chinese lion dance, Mexican and Thai traditional dances, funny midget dance, Korean pop dance, as well as singing and band performances. A carnival with booths featuring games, cuisines and handicrafts set up by students also added to the event’s festivity, as students and staff from different countries gathered to celebrate their friendship in a joyful evening.