Orientation education was held for new HAITCers majoring in public service and public policy (PSPP) on Nov 9. 

Through discussion among teachers, teacher-student interaction and students’ presentations, the well-designed courses, professional staff and abundant academic resources were presented to the freshmen to guide their all-round development at the HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College, Hainan University (HAITC).

A group photo of the participants in HAITC’s orientation education. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC] 

Ten teachers put forward suggestions for curriculum setting, training programs and professional standards, emphasizing the importance of putting students first and developing more interdisciplinary courses. 

A group of teachers -- Lin Haiying, Ivan Lee, Yang Honglian, Wang Qingqing, Wang Liren, and Yaerin Park communicated with the freshmen, enhancing their understanding of the major and helping them make plans as early as possible. 

Qian Siyu, a student from the Class of 2020 who won the first prize in the "FLTRP·ETIC Cup" English Public Speaking Contest in Hainan province, shared her thoughts on university life. 

Qian Siyu delivers her speech at the event. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC] 

She said that HAITC provided students with an inclusive platform to act independently and identify their own strengths. Moreover, it is important to have a growth mindset and focus on self-improvement. Qian shared the following tips with the freshmen:

(1) Cultivate social etiquette from small things;

(2) Participate in volunteer services to actively integrate into society;

(3) Improve information collection ability and utilize and expand resources;

(4) Continuously develop oneself in competition. 

Zhang Xiaoxiao, a student from the Class of 2021, who won the National Silver Award in the 8th China International College Students’ “Internet+” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, also stressed the importance of goals and plans in college life. 

Zhang Xiaoxiao delivers her speech. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC] 

She said that students should actively engage in various activities in the first year to find their areas of interest as well as their goal and plan for the future in their sophomore and junior years. Four other students also shared their learning experience with freshmen online.  

Lin Zhiwei from the Class of 2019, who is studying at University College London (UCL), wrote letters to share her thoughts on the advantages of the major and her learning advice.

She believes that the university courses cultivate students' critical thinking abilities and encourage active thinking through free discussions. In addition, the group activities enhance students' leadership and teamwork skills, making them more proactive. 

Lin has benefited from her HAITC years. She is now courageous in challenging authority, questioning different perspectives and actively pushing forward group discussions, which has gained recognition from teachers and classmates. 

She believes that the theories students learn in this major can provide them with a basic understanding of politics, social structures, government, policy analysis, economics and law, laying the foundation for their comprehension of the world. 

Furthermore, she suggested that HAITC give more freedom to its undergraduate students in choosing courses. She offered the following advice to the freshmen: 

(1) Be proactive and courageous. Actively participate in various courses, activities, organizations and internships to prepare for the future.

(2) Cherish time and make early plans. Pursue certificates, participate in competitions, internships, research and various activities.

(3) Be brave, seize available resources and opportunities, try new things and don’t leave with any regrets.