On Friday, May 16, 2014, a farewell ceremony was held for the second group of students from Harbin Normal University in China, who spent two semesters at Universidad ORT Uruguay part of the Bachelor’s degree program in Spanish Language they are pursuing in their home country.
The event, organized by the International Office, was held in the auditorium of the School of Business and Social Sciences and was attended by university officials, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, faculty members, and mentors (university students who help exchange students adjust to life in Uruguay).
The experience
María Azpiroz, M.A., coordinator of the exchange program with China, thanked the entire faculty, the group of 27 Chinese students, and their mentors.
He recalled that in 2012, “we were worried about whether they would be able to adjust to a new country, but before long they were already out and about, taking part in traditional activities like the Uruguayan carnival, exploring the countryside, and even traveling around the region.”
Azpiroz said that the students from China had the opportunity to take elective courses in the School of Management and Social Sciences—courses that were not originally intended for them—and yet they exceeded all expectations. “They improved their ability to push themselves.”
Azpiroz noted that Uruguay is becoming increasingly accustomed to welcoming more and more foreigners, and he highlighted the respect, intelligence, responsibility, and good humor of the Chinese students.
“At first, your impression of Uruguay was very different from what you’ve come to experience,” he said, wishing them success and reminding them that they are always welcome at the university in Uruguay.
During the event, Yu Jingyuan and Zuo Xican, two Chinese students who were known as Narciso and Francisca in the Spanish program, emphasized that their stay in Uruguay was an “unforgettable experience” from both an academic and social perspective.
"At university, we learned new ways of thinking and expanded our capacity for knowledge," they said.
They also highlighted their trips to Colonia and Cabo Polonio, as well as their participation in the Colibrí project, a volunteer program in which international students organize recreational activities for children in the Marconi neighborhood.
Cultural exchange
The Dean of Academic Development, Julio Fernández, M.Sc., emphasized the importance of student exchange for cultural relations between Uruguay and China.
Universidad ORT Uruguay the only organized program in the country that provides Chinese students with a meaningful experience in Uruguay, Fernández noted.
The Dean thanked the students for their ability to adapt, their parents for the efforts they have made to ensure their children could study and come to Uruguay for this exchange program, and the faculty members of Harbin Normal University.
He also announced that two students from the first cohort of students from Harbin will continue their studies at Universidad ORT Uruguay. “Know that this is your home, not only now, but also in the future.”