SWUFE NEWS Issue No. 04 (June 2014)

SWUFE NEWS

04-2014

SWUFE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS „MOZART NIGHT“, PAGE 3 FEATURE OF THIS ISSUE

Chengdu, May 5, 2014. The famous German Springer International Publisher on Science, Tech-nology, Medicine signed an agreement to publish Financial Innovation with SWUFE. The cooperation ceremony was held in Tengxiang Building on Liulin Campus. President Zhang Zongyi and the repre-sentative Chai Ning from the Springer Asia Office in Beijing attended the meeting (see picture below: Chai Ning left, Zhang Zongyi right).

Expanding the Cooperation

Zhang Zongyi and Chai Ning discussed the aims of the collaboration of the two sides and formulated ardent expectations. Chai Ning introduced the status quo of Springer’s development in China and expressed that the publishing house considers the cooperation with SWUFE to be of high importance. The Springer-Verlag (“Verlag” is German for “public-shing house”) plans to fully support the develop-ment of SWUFE’s international English academic journal Financial Innovation.

Benefits of the Cooperation

Both partners will greatly benefit from this cooperation. It represents SWUFE’s profound fi-nancial background, its excellent financial influ-ence, and it is in accordance with the strategy of strengthening the construction of the academic resources of our university. The partnership is with no doubt conducive to expand the international influence on financial academic journals.

1st SWUFE International Culture Exchange Day Hosted 18 Countries

Read more about the International Culture Exchange Day of SWUFE and an interview with SWUFE students who studied abroad on page 5 and 6.

Feature Article and Interview on Page 5 and 6

FACTS

Facts about Springer International and the Cooperation with SWUFE

The Springer-Verlag is one of the largest Germany-based publishers in the world with a famous name on academic publishing. This cooperation lays a solid foundation to the internationalization of the academic journal Financial Innovation.

The German Publisher Springer International And SWUFE Cooperate To Publish

«Financial Innovation»

SWUFE NEWS | Issue No. 04 (June 2014) 2

Beijing, April 27, 2014. The award ceremony of the national essay contest “My Foreign Teacher” and the selection of the “Foreign Teacher of the Year” were launched in Beijing.

SWUFE Student and Teacher Won Prizes at the Contest in Beijing

A SWUFE Student from the School of International Business, Li Yihan, won the thrid prize in this essay contest. In the latter campaign, a Chilean teacher of our university also was nominated, Katiuska Santibañez (Kati).

The work of Li Yihan recalled the memory of her foreign teacher at SWUFE, Mary Herman, which was filled with emotions and which expressed her respect as well as her gratitude to Ms. Herman.

Dedication to Education with Passion

SWUFE Teacher Kati has been teaching at our university since 1998. She won public praise from both students and her colleagues for her dedication to the education and her passion for helping others. Besides, SWUFE was bestowed the “Excellent Organizational Group” for its effective organization performance.

The series of campaigns were sponsored by the State Administration of Foreign Experts (SAFEA) of the PRC, and it was carried out by the Chinese Society for Research on the Exchange and Development of International Professionals. 608 schools from 26 Provinces participated in the contest.

Vientiane, Laos, April 28, 214. The Dean of the College of International Education, Liang Ting, and Vice Dean Wang Xin left for the capital of Laos, Vientiane, to establish an international partnership with the National University of Laos on international enrollments, co-training, and teacher education.

Promotion of the International University Education Cooperation

During the meeting Dean Liang Ting introduced to the person in charge of the National University the international strategy, the teaching resources, the training mode, and the English curriculum for international students at SWUFE.

Both sides had an in-depth discussion about possible cooperation projects. At the end, they signed a Memorandum of Agreement that will come into effect after the approval of their respective authorities. This agreement not only

promotes SWUFE’s international strategy, it also expands its influence to attract fabulous students from abroad.

STUDENT PLACEMENT

Are you an international student looking for a student placement or an undergraduate internship in China?

If the answer is “YES”, here you will have the opportunity to gain valuable practical work experience at an international renown Chinese university, the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE).

We offer student placements in our international team at SWUFE.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION: +86 (28) 870 92 533, zhenzhenx@swufe.edu.cn

Student And

Foreign Teacher Awarded By SAFEA 608 Schools and 26 Provinces Participated in the Contest

The College Of International Education Establishes A

Partnership With LAOS

Liang Ting (picture below: left), Dean of the College of International Education, and Wang Xin (right), Vice Dean, discuss and celebrate the cooperation agreement.

SWUFE NEWS | Issue No. 04 (June 2014) 3

THE SWUFE SYMPHONY ORCHRESTRA

Violin Musician at the Concert

The SWUFE Symphony Orchestra was founded in the year of 2000 by the Youth League Department of the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics. The SWUFE Symphony Orchestra is the youngest art troupe of the Youth League. Besides the Symphony Orchestra, it also has established the Traditional Chinese Orchestra, the Dance Troupe, the SWUFE Choir, and Chinese Calligraphy Arts Troupe.

Wind Instrument Players of SWUFE

Though the Symphony Orchestra is a non-professional orches-tra, its stage performance shows their ability to conduct high class symphonia. The Southwestern University of Finance and Economics cooperates with music teachers from the Sichuan Normal University to develop the student musicians. The conductor warmly welcomes international and local students who play wind or bow instruments to join the orchestra.

MORE INFORMATION AND TOURS

We warmly welcome any questions about the SWUFE Symphony Orchestra, its tours, and its open positions. Ticket and tour information are also available at the Office of International Exchange and Corporation (OIEC).

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION: +86 (28) 870 92 533, zhenzhenx@swufe.edu.cn

C

Chengdu, Wenjiang, May 2, 2014. The SWUFE Symphony Orchestra held a “Mozart Night” on Liulin Campus in the Student Recreation Center of Wenjiang District, Chengdu City. The concert was hosted and organized by the Youth League Committee and the Student Art Troupe of SWUFE.

The Concert Attracted Local and International Guests, Students and Faculity

Scheduled at the beginning of the spring term the concert attracted a local audience as well as international guests, students, and faculty of SWUFE. After a formal opening ceremony the “Mozart Night” had opened with the overture “The Marriage of Figaro”. Among the audience were international guests from the Berlin School of Economics and Law listening attentively to the stage of playing. The “Mozart Night” ended with the elegant “G Minor Symphony No. 40”.

The Local and International Guests Were Deeply Impressed and Asked for a Second Concert

After the concert the audience had the opportunity to talk with the conductor and the artists on the stage, telling them how impressed they were by their professional performance. Deeply touched many SWUFE students asked for a second concert and show, including all five art troupes of the Youth League. The second performance, then, took place on May 29, 2014. The SWUFE Symphony Orchestra will also play at the graduation ceremony in June, 2014. Finally, the orchestra will participate in the Sichuan University Festival in three years.

Contrabass Players at Liulin

Violinists Play Compositions

Solo Pianist at “Mozart Night”

The SWUFE Symphony Orchestra

Performs “Mozart Night” More Than 800 Students, Faculty, and International Guest Attended the Concert on Liulin Campus

SWUFE NEWS | Issue No. 04 (June 2014) 4

Albany, New York, May 4, 2014. The Confucius Institute at the SUNY at Albany held a Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition of SWUFE.

The Dean of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Cao Dejun, the Dean of the US Confucius Institute, Prof. Deng Baian, and a hundred teachers and students attended the opening ceremony.

«All Men Are Brothers» Promoting US-Sino Cultural Ties

36 pieces of calligraphy and painting were showed at the exhibition, being appreciated by the attending teachers and students as well as by associates from the Albany Chinese School. In his congratulation letter President Zhang Zongyi ex-pressed his invitation for US friends to visit and experience the charming Sichuan Province. Deng Baian introduced the mission of the Confucius Institute with SWUFE Chancellor Liu Shibai’s «All Men Are Brothers» to show his will to promote the cultural ties between the US and China, donating writing brushes to encourage the students.

UNESCO World Reading Day

Skopje, April 23, 2014. A book donation was held in the National and University Library of Macedonia in cooperation with the Confucius Institute at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, the French Cultural Center, and the British Cultural Association. April 23rd is the 19th UNESCO World Reading Day and at the same time the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the National and University Library of Macedonia.

Donation to the Library

The book donation by the Confucius Institute of Skopje was made to the National and University Library of Macedonia. The Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Deng Shizhong congratu-lated the library for its 70th anniversary, expressing his gratitude for its strong support and help in the establishment and management of the Confucius Institute of Skopje.

Popular

Popular Books

At the stage of the ceremony for the readers to choose donated books, this year, Chinese books achieved massive popularity among the visitors. Around 350 people were visiting the book donation ceremony at the library. The event was covered by the news media, among others the broadcasting companies Alfa TV, Telma, and 24 Vesti covered it.

A man chose an illustrated book named «The Place Called China» and evinced his interest in our country

The Confucius Institute Won Popularity By Making

A Book Donation In Skopje, Macedonia

Calligraphy Exhibition In The

Confucius Institute At Albany

Book donation ceremony at the Confucius Institute of Skopje.

SWUFE NEWS | Issue No. 04 (June 2014) 5

Chengdu, April 4, 2014. “Very passionate. Africa’s culture is so unique and dynamic!” said Qu Wan’er as international students from Africa marched by, dancing and playing the drum. The Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and thee Youth League Committee of SWUFE joined by the student unions from all SWUFE schools and all the students’ associations held the First International Culture Exchange Day. Theme pavilions of 18 countries were placed along the East Gate Avenue.

Opposite to the Africa pavilion is the America pavilion opened by the Overseas Study Association, the Street Dancing Association and the Graffiti Association. America’s street culture attracted a lot of students. Street dancing was particularly surrounded by shouts of joy. The Graffiti Association had prepared models for students so they within seconds only needed to select colors and then paint a graffiti cartoon by themselves. The Japan pavilion displayed many unique cultures such as comics, sushi, kimono, and wind chime. It was the big winner on the International Culture Exchange Day with the most votes.

Some international students also joined in paper cutting and tying Chinese knot. Some others displayed world culture through costumes and performances.

The International Culture Exchange Day not only offered an opportunity for students to know more about different cultures but also built a bridge for international students to learn about traditional Chinese culture.

We Met and We Changed

“Marine and I were like two people connected by a rope at the either end. We kept moving toward each other and at a certain time we finally met in the middle of the rope.”

Chen Xue, junior student majored in international trade, touched her left index finger to her right one to denote her relationship with her buddy and said that in the last two months she had a great time with Marine Guizerix, the exchange student from the French University of Pau et des Pays de l'Adour.

Big International Family Where Cultures Collide

Last October, Chen Xue joined the International Students Association (ISA), which is a subordinate institution of the Office of International Affairs of the School of Business Administration, when ISA started to recruit new members for the first time since its establishment in 2013. There were a total

of 27 students who joined, ranging from freshmen to second-year post-graduate. ISA adopts a one-on-one mode which means every international student will have a Chinese buddy to help with their visa, network service, etc. So far, more than 100 international students have benefited from this program.

“I hope ISA could constantly adhere to the concept of «Be friends with foreigners» so as to create a harmonious and equal family culture”.

The leader of ISA, Kong Cheng, a junior from the School of Business Administration aired his hopes towards the new organization. And this concept was indeed practiced in their work. Speaking of why to establish ISA, Kong Cheng said,

“ISA not only served international students but also provided a platform where Chinese and foreign culture can be exchanged in a free and open way.”

In the spirit of tolerance and mutual understand-ding, ISA helped to bridge the cultural gap and the collision of cultures sparking friendship. And then, it was under the warm curtain of the big inter-national family when the story of Chen Xue and Marine began.

One-On-One Sisters: Meeting a Better Me

“Excuse me, are you Marine?” “Yes, I am!” On February 23rd, at Chengdu North Railway Station, a foreign girl and a Chinese girl excitedly hugged and kissed each other on the cheek. This is how Chen Xue and Marine met for the first time.

“Just like twins.” This is how their friends described them. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the “two sisters” will have meal together. Hence, Marine learned some simple Chinese words such as “bu la (no chili)”. This word is particularly useful in Sichuan where lots of food is spicy. In addition, they have gone through many “first times” together and got to know different cultures. Therefore, over the time their friendship was consolidated. “She changed me” that’s how both of them answered when asked what influence they brought on each other. But the simple word “change” means more than it seems for both of them.

Chen Xue was busy with chores of all sorts in the first year. In the second year, she was again busy with her study, tiresome and heavily burdened. After she met Marine, Chen Xue was infected by her easy and bold-to-innovate life attitude. She was most impressed when she went to karaoke bar for the first time with Marine (to be continued on page 6).

INTERNATIONAL CULTURE EXCHANGE DAY

Cultural Art Dance Groups Perform at the Exchange Day

“ISA not only served international students but also provided a platform where Chinese and foreign culture can be exchanged in a free and open way.” (Kong Cheng, leader of ISA)

The Traditional Costumes of the Performers Impresses Students

Some international students also joined in paper cutting and tying Chinese knot. Some others displayed world culture through costumes and performances.

Marching and Playing Drums

“Very passionate. Africa’s culture is so unique and dynamic!” said Qu Wan’er as international students from Africa marched by, dancing and playing the drum.

1st SWUFE International Culture Exchange Day Hosted 18 Countries Feature | The International Student Association (ISA) Organized Passionate International Day

SWUFE NEWS | Issue No. 04 (June 2014) 6

(Continuation of page 5)

“It Feels Great”

“I saw a lot of foreigners with different skin colors there. They sang the songs unknown to me. But it feels great. I feel relieved and relaxed.”

Since then, she began to actively know different people and to try new things. Her life is no longer monotonous. Sometimes Chen Xue would refuse Marine’s invitation as she needed to study, which would not be acceptable in France. From misunderstanding to understanding and envy to admiration, Marine was never unpleased.

“I understand Chinese students are more stressful than us. To be honest, I quite admire her. It’s unbelievable to see how much efforts she made to fulfill her goal. And even her resolution inspired my envy.”

“I Like These Changes”

So Marine began to change her way of living and stick with exercise every day. In France, it was quite common for her to waste another day after a play all night. But now besides studying on a regular basis, she also keeps exercising each day. Marine clapped her shoulder,

“My mom can even feel that I have changed on phone calls. I like these changes. Thank you, buddy!”

From meeting the first time to becoming intimate friends in just two months, they gradually balanced their own lives. Chen Xue said,

“At very beginning, Marine and I were like two people connected by a rope at the either end. We kept moving toward each other and at a certain time we finally met in the middle of the rope. In this process, I experienced the charm of cultural com-munication in person. It changed me unnoticeably and helped to make a better me.”

SWUFE, May 2014. “Your choice will speak for itself after being tested in your adventures”, this is the true feeling Yuan Mengting and Fan Xiaoge have in the SWUFE-CUNY international student exchange program. Through the experience of 9 months, the two SWUFERs (enrolled in 2011) can know better how to capitalize on the opportunity and master the challenges.

A Busi But Rich Life

When studying abroad, they had to work for 30 hours and complete 14 hours of courses, which left them about 5 hours per day to sleep. But it was busy and rich life there from their perspective. And the biggest challenges are insufficient time and various pressures from the work and study.

”The time is not sufficient for both the GPA and internship, so we have no choice but to squeeze out the sleeping time.”

She curled her lips and said helplessly. It goes without saying that the pressure is unavoidable, and sometimes it is sensible for them to take a break. They however didn’t take it in the way they thought, the purpose of studying abroad is far more than a tour. During that time, they encouraged each other to strive forward by

making every second count with their perseve-rance.

“Of course, there exist the cultural differences.”

Then Yuan Mengting admitted that the cultural difference would certainly pose a great challenge on them when studying abroad. Sometimes you could catch every word your American friends said, but you still have no idea what they mean, because the several month of stay can hardly help becoming familiar with all the local cultures. Anyway, they unremittingly hunted for the interviews and expanded their social network, and progressively adapted to this life.

Fan Xiaoge also realizes her changes. She has gotten rid of her confusion and set off for her goal. From a research assistant at the college to an office intern, from the interview at JPMorgan to the offer from CBS, she is becoming more sophisticated.

”Without Mr. Ye ‘s help, we cannot get that far.”

Ye Jianming is assistant professor of Accounting at CUNY and the overseas dean of the School of Accounting at SWUFE. He would spare one hour

each day to communicate with the overseas SWUFERS and resolve their doubts.

Yuan Mengting said. For a certain time the problem to learn Finance or Accounting entangled her and the internship interview was not desirable.

”Don’t think too much.”, Dean Ye would duly calm her down. After the consultation with Ye, she can make a right choice finally. Moreover, the overseas SWUFE graduates would help them.

”Initially we lived in an alumna’s house since we had no place to go”

She took care of them in all aspects, even such trivials such as the purchase of a calling card and a breakfast, which made them feel warm when they were away from home. They still adhere to their choices and goals even in another country.

”Without the experience, we won’t conceive a clear goal or even strive to make it”.

They think the choices of people may differ, but once you have made your choice, you should seize every second to go for it. And the 9 months of studying abroad is just a start for them.

Chengdu, April 29, 2014. Professor Bernhard Schipp from the Dresden University of Technology visited the SWUFE School of Business Adminis-tration. It was his first official visit. Professor Kou Gang, the Executive Dean of the School of Business Administration, and Professor Tang Mingfeng, the Director of the Sino-French Center for Innovation Research at SWUFE met Bernhard

Schipp and signed a cooperation agreement on a student exchange program. It is expected that this program starts in spring 2015. As a member of TU9 (TU9 German Institutes of Technology) the Dresden University of Technology was established in 1828 and is well-renown both in Germany and around the world. It is a member of the “Ivy League” in Germany.

The Choice On Exotic Land Interview | SWUFE Students Studied at Baruch College, CUNY (New York)

TU Dresden Visited SWUFE SWUFE and Dresden University of Technology Signed Cooperation Agreement

SWUFE NEWS Issue No. 04 (June 2014)

SWUFE NEWS

OFFICE OF

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

AND COOPERATION

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

555 Liu Tai Avenue Wenjiang, Chengdu City

Sichuan Province PRC, 611130

We also have a

website!

Visit us here:

oiec.swufe.edu.cn

DISCOVER SWUFE JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMP

Welcome message from the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation

The Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) invites you to come and to experience life in Sichuan

Province, China, as an international student guest. This is your chance to become an ambassador for your university and to

experience life at one of the top universities in China. In return we offer you an authentic “taste” of modern day life in

China. This is a diverse two-week program combining study, travel, and visiting local businesses; giving you a short but wonderful experience of SWUFE, Sichuan, and China in general.

The “Discover SWUFE” Program

The Discover SWUFE program is designed to give you a memorable and powerful two-week encounter at SWUFE and in China.

You will attend lectures, delivered in English, by leading professors of SWUFE, and you will also get the chance to meet with

senior professionals from local business. The program is about much more than academic/professional learning; our focus is on providing an unforgettable experience that will also take you on a journey into other aspects of life in modern China.

If you enjoy exotic cuisine, the unique foods of Chengdu and Sichuan can be savored in the famous Jinli Street. If you enjoy

theatre, the breath-taking traditional Chinese mask changing performances are unbelievable. If you like history and culture,

we will show you the local World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites, such as the Sichuan Panda Sanctuaries, the famous Wuhou Shrine, Mount Qingcheng, the Giant Buddha at Leshan, and much more!

You will also get the chance to learn Chinese calligraphy, martial arts, cooking and traditional music! These experiences combined will give you a unique and first-hand understanding of Chinese culture, language and business.

Program Cost

This exciting experience is our invitation for you to have a wonderful time at our university and in our country. We will pay for

all other costs of this two-week program (course fees, accommodation, transportation around Chengdu, and meals). The only

costs that you need to pay are for visa application, insurance and the flight ticket to Chengdu! But most probably you might want to bring with you some of your own spending money for unique gifts to take back to your friends and family at home.

For more information, please click the link below.

Program Brochure: http://oiec.swufe.edu.cn/uploadfile/2014/0319/20140319102605313.pdf

Contact: discover@swufe.edu.cn