Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) hosted a New Year reception for its international faculty on Dec 30. The event was attended by foreign teachers and their families, along with university leaders, staff and student representatives.

Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, speaks during the New Year reception. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, delivered a speech. Zhao extended best wishes to all international teachers at BFSU and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and support over the past year.

Zhao said that BFSU places great importance on its foreign faculty members, who play a key role in the university’s teaching and research endeavors, and that their contributions are vital to BFSU’s growth.

Zhao expressed his hope that in the coming year, foreign teachers will continue to leverage their strengths and act as bridges for cultural communication, helping BFSU in its mission to cultivate talent, build world-class disciplines and develop international exchanges and cooperation.

Foreign teacher representatives speak during the New Year reception. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Representatives of foreign teachers, including Adalberto Noyola Robles, a Mexican professor at the Department of Hispanic and Portuguese and director of the university’s Centro de Estudios Mexicanos; Metka Lokar, a Slovenian associate professor at the School of European Languages and Cultures; Sinknesh Atale Gebre, an Ethiopian associate professor at the School of African Studies; Craig Alan Volker, a British professor at the School of English and International Studies; Fahd Mohammed Saleh Al-Duais, a Yemeni associate professor at the School of Arabic Studies; Giovanni Bellizzi, an Italian lecturer at the School of European Languages and Cultures; and Pham Khanh Linh, a Vietnamese lecturer at the School of Asian Studies, also took to the stage to speak.

They spoke highly of BFSU’s diverse cultural environment, talent development and achievements and said they are looking forward to further contributing to the university’s development and growth and enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and other countries.

Zhao Gang (R) presents honorary certificates to four foreign teachers who have worked at BFSU for over 10 years. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The New Year reception features lively and diverse cultural performances and games. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The reception featured lively cultural activities by both Chinese and foreign students and staff, including a Chinese folk music performance, a skit show, moving songs and dynamic dance numbers, reflecting the charm of different cultures.

Interactive games and the Chinese calligraphy experience session brought the attendees closer, which enhanced their emotional connections and helped them better understand Chinese customs and traditions.