New Year's party far from home, but warm in heart

Jiangnan University in Wuxi, Jiangsu province holds a New Year party for international students on Dec 28, 2017. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The annual New Year's party at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, East China is always the most anticipated event for international students.

Of course, this year is no exception. Its latest version hit the campus on Dec 28, 2017.

Though the local temperature was challenging the "zero line" and students were busy preparing for their final exams, the night of Dec 28 was bright with a festive air and a celebration of the changing year.

Jared and Katie, two student hosts, extend New Year wishes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Jared, a seasoned student host from the US, and his lovely guest Katie from Thailand gave the event a stirring opening.

The young MCs were itching to show their fluency in quite a few languages – Chinese, South Korean, Japanese, Thai, even Wuxi dialect – and also to extend their greetings to schoolmates, teachers and other guests.

"So without further adieu, let's welcome all the people who came together and get this New Year party started!"

Following the host's excited voice, the extravaganza began with Professor Cao Dong, dean of the School of International Education at Jiangnan University, expressing his pride and gratitude to see so many international students joining the campus in 2017 and expressing his new year wishes to all.

"I hope coming to China and coming to Jiangnan University will become one of the best choices you made in your life," Cao said.

He invited the young foreigners to enjoy themselves at the holiday buffet with delicious delicacies such as roast duck, scalded prawns, and steamed chicken with mushrooms, and awarded several students with the school's generous President and Taihu scholarships for their excellence in academic studies over the past year.

ShuaiMei, a dance team whose name derives from the Chinese words for beauty and handsome, presented a New Year Dance show. Their clothing – white sweaters and black jeans – which at first sight were a bit simple set against the ornate stage, by no means shadowed their performance but on the contrary expressed their vigor and vitality and took the evening's warmth and gaiety to a new high.

The event also included various performances highlighting different cultures, through dance remix, instrumental performances, and interpretations of classic melodies from China and overseas.

Mixed in with the enthusiastic singing and dancing were the spectators' warm responses rising from around the room.

"I love Jiangnan University," exclaimed a Bangladeshi student Ishtiaq, "I wish everyone a glorious, successful and happy new year!"

The party not only showcased a range of cultures but was also offered a chance for students to get to know more about each other.