On the afternoon of November 12th, the Sino-Australian University Students Cultural Exchange Salon was successfully held in Classroom 5-A108 of the Boxue Building at CUMT. Co-organized by the International Office, the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures, and the Confucius Institute for Tourism at Griffith University (Australia), the event gathered over 60 participants, including 20 students from the Confucius Institute, faculty and student representatives from CUMT, and volunteers from the Confucius Institute, for a vibrant cultural exchange.
At the opening, Zhai Shilei—Vice Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures and Director of the Australian Studies Center at China University of Mining and Technology—delivered a welcome speech. He extended warm greetings to the Australian guests and emphasized the pivotal role of language and culture in connecting the world and fostering mutual understanding between peoples. Following this, Ms. Hu Mingyan from the School of Humanities at Griffith University shared her cross-cultural experiences with humor, encouraging young people from both countries to actively learn each other's languages, embrace cultural diversity, and expand their horizons through communication.
In the "Australian Students’ Stories" segment, students of Griffith University shared their vivid experiences studying in China—from classroom learning to urban exploration—offering an immersive glimpse into contemporary China. Australian students from the Confucius Institute, as Chinese language learners, also spoke fluently in Chinese about their journeys of falling in love with the language and connecting with China, engaging in lively interactions with our students that filled the room with laughter.
The interactive game "Pass the Flower" further bridged distances, enhancing rapport between Chinese and Australian students through playful engagement. In response, CUMT's student volunteer team presented a stunning Chinese talent showcase—including a melodious Pipa performance, graceful classical dance, and dynamic Tai Chi fan routine—earning thunderous applause and elevating the atmosphere to a climax.
During the closing free discussion session, young people from both countries chatted freely, exchanged contact information, and took photos, creating a warm and lively ambiance. The salon also featured a tea break and lucky draw, providing additional opportunities for interaction.
Through the dual interactions of "Australian Students’ Stories" and "Chinese Talent Showcase", this salon not only built a platform for in-depth dialogue between youth from the two nations but also sowed seeds of friendship in their hearts. It marks a new chapter for sustained cultural exchange and cooperation in the future.
