School of International Education Organizes International Students to Participate in Qingyuan Subdistrict Neighborhood Carnival

2026-05-11

To deepen the effectiveness of university–community collaborative education, contribute to the building of harmonious neighborhoods, and guide international students in gaining an immersive understanding of China’s national conditions, community culture, and neighborly warmth, the School of International Education organized ten international students to visit Xueyuan Community, Qingyuan Subdistrict, during the 8th Beijing Neighborhood Festival and take an active part in the “Neighborhood Carnival.”

With the theme of “Living as Friendly Neighbors, Gathering in Warmth,” the event featured a variety of activities, including convenient services for residents, interactive games, and experiences of intangible cultural heritage and folk customs. The international student volunteers took the initiative to assume service roles and actively assisted the staff with on-site work. When residents came for consultation or to take part in the activities, the students patiently offered guidance and helped maintain order in the queues. During interactive activities such as traditional ritual archery, some elderly residents found it difficult to get started. The international students patiently guided them throughout the process and demonstrated the techniques step by step. Despite language differences, their sincere attitude, warm smiles, and attentive service won unanimous praise from the residents present.

International students participate actively in community activities.

Through this practical activity, international students stepped out of the campus and integrated into Chinese community life through the special form of volunteer service. In the process of serving residents and supporting community development, they effectively enhanced their communication, cooperation, and practical abilities, while gaining a real sense of the warm, harmonious, and mutually supportive neighborhood culture in Chinese communities. At the same time, through the intangible cultural heritage and folk-custom experience sessions, the students had the opportunity to come into close contact with traditional handicrafts such as lacquer fans, incense blending, and paper cutting, further deepening their understanding of fine traditional Chinese culture. The activity thus brought them a twofold gain in both public service practice and cultural experience. Many participating international students said that the activity was fulfilling and meaningful, giving them a deeper appreciation of the volunteer spirit of “dedication, friendship, mutual assistance, and progress,” as well as a more genuine and in-depth understanding of everyday life in Chinese grassroots communities.

Group photo of teachers and students participating in the event.

The international students’ responsible, enthusiastic, and dedicated volunteer service was highly recognized by community staff and residents. Song Yue, Secretary of Xueyuan Community, said, “Through university–community collaboration, we have brought youthful energy and international elements into the community, changing the previous impression that neighborhood festivals mainly involve older residents and fewer young people. This event not only strengthened neighborly ties, but also enabled Chinese and international youth to deepen their understanding of Chinese community culture through service. It truly fulfilled the original purpose of ‘bringing neighbors together in celebration and warming the community through the participation of Chinese and international students.’”

Moving forward, the School of International Education will continue to participate in university–community collaborative activities on a regular basis. It will encourage more international students to take part in public service, refine their character and develop their abilities through practice, serve as young ambassadors for cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, convey warmth through volunteer service, and contribute to the building of a harmonious community based on joint contribution, shared governance, and common benefit.