An international student from Southeast University serves as an attendant at a museum in Nanjing. [Photo/chisa.edu.cn]

Southeast University (SEU) in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province has been taking proactive steps to facilitate cross-cultural understanding among international students.

By organizing activities that encourage international students to engage with Chinese rural communities and participate in volunteer services, SEU aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of China's history and culture.

Last year, international students participated in an embroidery exhibition held in Nanhua county, Yunnan province to discover the charm of China's traditional handicrafts and intangible cultural heritage. They posted their experiences on social media platforms and shared stories about how Southeast University contributes to poverty alleviation in Nanhua.

SEU also organized a book donation drive in which students from 24 countries, including Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, participated. A doctoral student from Iran donated over 100 books and left a heartfelt message: "I hope these books will open doors to a broader world for you, just as they have for me. Be the youth who ventures out into the world and contributes to your hometown."

SEU's international students also engage in volunteer services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these students joined local communities to assist in epidemic control efforts. On National Memorial Day, they worked as volunteers at the Memorial Hall for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

To further promote cultural exchange, SEU offers a range of courses in Chinese traditional arts, including Chinese calligraphy and painting. Additionally, SEU hosts events during Chinese traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. Various competitions, including Chinese language speech contests, help students rapidly improve their Chinese language skills.

Students from Southeast University learn to make masks seen in traditional Chinese operas. [Photo/chisa.edu.cn]