International students at Westlake University Yungu Campus Photo: Xu Yaqi
Events
By Jin Yingying
"Hangzhou League of Int'l Students", a new platform of Hangzhoufeel aiming at assisting international students at home and abroad to localize, launched an exciting event on Dec 6.
A group of international students from Zhejiang Gongshang University were invited to sightsee in the West Lake University, a renowned research-oriented private university with an immersive experience of the institution's scientific ambiance.
The "campus walk" at the university's Yungu campus unfolded as Tony Fiddis, a representative from the West Lake University, warmly welcomed the team. Providing insights into the campus environment and the symbolism behind the university emblem, Fiddis emphasized the institution's global outreach, with over 200 doctoral supervisors from around the world and a robust focus on advanced research.
The tour made a full demonstration of the innovative design of Yungu Campus, inspired by cellular structures. The layout, centered around teaching and research, features a "concentric circle" design seamlessly integrating nature, academia, and daily life through a circular water system and 12 bridges.
"The Westlake University serves as a bridge between China and the world, between the present and the future. Not only the school logo, but also its physical composition embodies this idea. The latter became clear when we visited the C-shaped corridor called the 'Academic Ring', which beautifully connected the three departments of the university like a bridge," Van Wulpen Karen, an exchange student from Belgium, shared her first impression on this campus.
"In addition to the academic buildings, the university also has an auditorium, a sport center, a student center and a health center. By providing multi-functional facilities in one campus, students can more easily conduct their academic research and gain access to basic medical care and recreational areas. I think that this is a wonderful and comfortable environment for students and researchers to develop in," she added.
"The attention to detail in constructing spaces like the Academic Ring underscores the university's dedication to providing a cutting-edge and collaborative educational experience," Chee Man Shing Marie Anne Lise Ahnuck from Mauritius agreed on that.
Highlighting a fusion of technology and inclusivity, the event showcased the West Lake University's electronic guide dog, "Xiao Xi," which played a crucial role during the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games. The research team behind "Xiao Xi" engaged in face-to-face discussions with international students, shedding light on the high-precision sensors and control algorithms enabling the electronic guide dog to navigate diverse environments.
Tony Fiddis, himself a fluent Chinese speaker from New Zealand, shared his personal journey of learning Chinese and underscored the cultural richness unlocked through language acquisition. Prompting a discussion with the attending students, he discovered diverse motivations for learning Chinese, ranging from cultural appreciation to cultural assimilation.
As Hangzhou continues its march towards greater internationalization, events of this series are anticipated to become regular fixtures. If you are also an international student, welcome aboard!