Global Carnival enhances cross-cultural awareness

Veronica Leung

 

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of City University of Hong Kong (CityU) organized “Global Carnival 2006-07” on 31 January to encourage local and exchange students from 11 countries to enhance cross-cultural exposure.

 

The carnival's 11 booths showcased global cultures including those of Spain, Germany, the UK, the US, Japan and South Korea. Games and a lucky draw were also featured in order to bring a cross-cultural experience to visitors.

 

The Faculty is supporting CityU's drive to become an internationalized campus. “The Faculty is taking a leading role in the internationalization of CityU. We are very keen to explore more exchange opportunities for students,” said Professor Martin Painter, Acting Dean.

 

At the kick-off ceremony, Dr Bertha Du-Babcock, Director of International Exchange of the Faculty, said the International Exchange Programme offered all participating students a golden opportunity to gain a more global perspective and to enhance their potential in terms of personal and academic growth.

 

“This exciting carnival provides a platform for students to foster greater cross-cultural awareness by highlighting global cultures,” she said.

 

The Faculty is keen to increase students' global awareness, which is reflected in the programme's slogan: “Go Global. Think Global. Be Global”.

 

Khatera Ahrary, an exchange student from San Jose State University, US, has had a new perspective into the cultural diversity of Hong Kong after her participation in the carnival.

 

“Hong Kong is really an international city because it embraces different cultures in a harmonious way. The experience to work with both local and exchange students is really special,” she said.

 

“It is very important for us to know more about the world and to understand other cultures, since I believe that this cross-cultural knowledge can benefit me professionally and socially,” said Portia Ngo, a Year 3 student in the Department of English and Communication, who said she learnt a great deal about different cultures during the carnival.

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Henrietta R. Saunders, an exchange student from Cardiff University, UK, is now enjoying her life in Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is a dynamic Asian metropolis and my horizons have been broadened since I started studying at CityU,” she said.

 

Among the guests attending the carnival was Mr Timothy Edwards, Vice-Consul (Political, Economics & Public Affairs), Consulate General of Canada.

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