CityU hosts welcome gathering to help international and exchange students integrate into campus life

City University of Macau (CityU) recently held a welcome gathering for international and exchange students for the fall semester 2025/2026 at the Cultural Centre in Taipa campus. The event attracted nearly 60 international and exchange students.To help students enhance their cross-culture communication skills, broaden their horizons, and enrich their learning experiences, CityU continues to develop student exchange programs with partner intuitions. This semester, students from over 35 universities in mainland China, Taiwan China, Portugal, Maylasia, South Korea, Kazakhstan and other countries and regions come to CityU for exchange studies, further enriching the University’s multicultural environment.

Rector Jun Liu, Dean Jin Lixian of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dean Adrian Cheung Wai Kong of Faculty of Finance, Executive Associate Dean Li Xi of Faculty of International Tourism and Management, Executive Associate Dean Wang Po Hsun of Faculty of Innovation and Design, Lewis Chao Chan Chong, head of Student Affairs Office and Wu Cheng, head of Office of Global Affairs, attended the event. They extended a warm welcome to all international and exchange students.

Rector Jun Liu delivered the welcome address on behalf of the University. Drawing from his own experience abroad, he encouraged students to cherish the valuable study opportunity in Macao, make full use of the city’s unique advantages as a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures, experience local traditions, savor delicacies, and engage actively with peers from China and around the world.He further emphasized that every cross-cultural learning experience is an opportunity for personal growth. The University, he added, is committed to providing comprehensive support and services to help every student embark on a fulfilling academic journey.

Dean Jin Lixian shared insights on studying and living in cross-cultural environments, drawing from her extensive experience abroad. She noted that gathering here offered an excellent opportunity for exchanging ideas and perspectives. In a new environment, she encouraged everyone to embrace differences with an open mind and actively engage with fellow students and faculty. She also emphasized that the faculty is ready to provide full support and assistance whenever needed.

Dean Adrian Cheung Wai Kong began his speech with a special interactive session, inviting students to greet each other in their mother tongue, to present the coexistence of diverse cultures. He highlighted that language serves as a carrier of culture, and through linguistic exchange, one can experience cultural differences. He encouraged all students to actively communicate with local faculty and peers during their stay in Macao and deeply immerse themselves in the city’s unique cultural charm.

Executive Associative Dean Li expressed his warm welcome to the new international and exchange students, noting that the experience will undoubtedly become a valuable part of their life. He added that although Macao is small in size, it serves as a vital hub connecting China and the rest of the world. He encouraged students to participate in local cultural events such as the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest and the Lusofonia Festival. He also encouraged students to step out to engage with others and explore the city’s streets and communities with curiosity, which will lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.Executive Associate Dean Wang Po Hsun welcomed the attending students and expressed his hope that everyone would enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful academic journey at CityU.

During the event, Student Affairs Office (SAO) representative introduced student services and activities, including dormitory management, psychological counseling, student clubs, university teams, instrumental and dancing courses, as well as orientation parties. She emphasized SAO’s commitment to providing comprehensive support and assistance to all students.

In the concluding remarks, Wu Cheng, head of Office of Global Affairs stated that the office will continue to build platforms for exchange and international students’ study and living. He added that the University is fully aware of the needs and challenges of cross-cultural learning and encourage all students to make the most of their time studying in Macao. He also expressed CityU welcomes inquiries and communications whenever needed.During the event, students participated in engaging icebreaker games, sharing their learning experiences and reflections on studying at CityU. Many expressed that the activities enhanced their understanding of the university and left them excited about their future academic lives.

Let’s Check Out What Students Have to Say

Xiangtan University

Cao Ying

來到澳門城市大學我感到十分親切，很喜歡這裡包容且豐富多彩的文化氛圍。這次交流活動讓我格外激動，可以結識來自不同國家的同學，親身感受到文化之間的碰撞與融合。這是一次非常寶貴且令人愉快的經歷。

Minzu University of China

Sun Chuyun

我對澳門城市大學多元包容的文化氛圍印象深刻，尤其是我學習過俄語，在交流會上可以與說俄語、英語和中文等不同國家的同學深入交流。這裡的課堂輕鬆活躍且注重國際視野，讓我接觸到許多在以前難以學到的知識和觀點。學校整體環境優美清新，師生熱情友好，這段交流經歷非常充實和愉快。

ISCTE

Melchior Aires

I really enjoyed today's event. It was a great opportunity to meet new friends and connect with colleagues through fun games and delicious food. Living in Macao for the past two weeks has been an amazing experience. I love exploring its historic sites and the university’s modern facilities. The classes are dynamic with professors from around the world, and while the food is good, having more Western options would make it even better.

Beijing Language and Culture University

Shimizu Akinori

來到澳門城市大學，我感到老師同學十分親切熱情，這次交流會見到很多來自不同國家的同學，這讓我很開心。澳門的風景很漂亮，有大海相依，與北京的景物很不一樣。

Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation

Anastasiia Tatarkina

I enjoy studying here. The classes are engaging, the professors are great, and I especially like the English courses and international atmosphere. Today’s event was inspiring and fun. It brought together students from different backgrounds and offered playful activities with prizes. I’m glad I had the chance to meet so many interesting people through this experience.

Source: Office of Global Affairs

Photo credits: CityU Reporter