The focus of this meeting was the second visit of Yougen Yu, the Education Counselor from the Chinese Consulate General in New York, to offer support and condolences to Chinese students studying in the Philadelphia area. The meeting took the form of Wei Lu Ye Hua (an informal gathering), where presidents of CSSA (Chinese Students & Scholars Association) from UPenn, Drexel, Temple, and Saint Joseph Universities, along with representatives from the Education Department of Chinese Consulate General, convened to discuss several key topics.
1. **Celebrating Festivals:** Participants shared their experiences of celebrating festivals while studying in the United States. CSSA (Chinese Students & Scholars Association) typically organizes gatherings for various Chinese traditional festivals, fostering a sense of community among Chinese students and promoting Chinese cultural traditions to American students. Additionally, students actively engage in Western festivals to maintain strong friendships with their American counterparts.
2. **Challenges Faced by Students:** A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the challenges encountered by international students in the United States. One major issue highlighted was the experience of racial discrimination. ACAS President, Ms. Meng provided strategies for addressing racial discrimination and shared an article on combating discrimination through the group’s WeChat public account, aiming to support students facing such situations.
3. **Planning the Annual Four Schools’ Chinese New Year Gala:** The meeting also included discussions on the planning of the annual Chinese New Year Gala, a longstanding tradition among the Chinese student associations of the four universities in Philadelphia. With a history spanning over 20 years, the gala is a highlight of the academic year. An overview of the event was presented to the Counselor and Consulate representatives, who expressed their approval and encouragement. They pledged to attend the event and provide Chinese New Year gifts as prizes for the gala’s lucky draw. Cooperation among the four schools was emphasized, and anticipation for the event was high.
4. **Employment and Career Opportunities:** The meeting concluded with discussions on job opportunities for international students both in the United States and in Asian countries. President Meng shared some interview and resume writing experiences and expressed willingness to organize a career fair, interview workshops, and resume writing seminars for Asian students, aiming to provide more assistance to students in their job search endeavors.
In conclusion, the gathering served as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Chinese student community in Philadelphia, as well as the ongoing support provided by the Chinese Consulate General’s Education Department. Through open dialogue and collaboration, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to promoting cultural exchange, addressing challenges faced by students, and facilitating opportunities for personal and professional growth. With initiatives ranging from cultural celebrations to practical career development workshops, the meeting underscored the importance of mutual support and cooperation in navigating the complexities of studying abroad. As participants eagerly anticipate future engagements, they remain steadfast in their dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all international students in the Philadelphia area.
