California State University, Northridge Chinese Institute Spring Festival Gala Share Chinese culture and travel experience

by admin · February 18, 2025

LAPost Los Angeles (February 15, 2024) – On the evening of February 15, the China Institute at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), in collaboration with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSUN-CSSA), hosted a warm and culturally rich Chinese New Year banquet at the Northridge Center. Nearly 150 faculty members, students, and guests from the campus and surrounding community gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Chinese culture.

CSUN Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Joy Borah (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

CSUN Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Joy Borah attended as a guest and delivered a speech, expressing appreciation for the China Institute’s contributions over the years in promoting cultural diversity on campus. She also recognized the importance of various short-term programs organized by the China Institute in 2024 in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Experience Sharing: Enriching Academic and Cultural Exchanges in China

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

During the banquet, several CSUN faculty members and students shared their 2024 academic and cultural exchange experiences in China.

Dr. Wei Cao from the China Institute reported on the institute’s work over the past year.
Dr. Hongshan Shao from the College of Education led a team of 10 graduate students to participate in the Sino-U.S. Youth Mental Health Development Forum and shared insights from the exchange.
Dr. Jun Zhan from the Accounting Department discussed her experience leading 17 students to Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan for a summer accounting course.
Dr. Edith Chen reported on a one-week short-term study program in Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics in Hangzhou, involving 10 students from various disciplines.
Dr. Junliang Huang introduced the Chinese minor program at CSUN.

Several students who had participated in exchange programs in China shared their experiences, further inspiring interest in Chinese culture and international exchange among the attendees.

Student Reflections on Studying in China

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

CSUN student Vyom Pathak attended a summer program at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan in 2024. Reflecting on his four-week academic and cultural immersion, he shared:

“Studying ACCT 230 (Accounting) in China was an unforgettable experience. Beyond gaining professional knowledge, I immersed myself in China’s rich culture, enjoyed authentic cuisine, and felt the warmth and hospitality of the local people. From exploring local markets to engaging in classroom discussions, every moment broadened my perspective. China’s open and inclusive environment made my adjustment seamless. This experience not only enhanced my academic skills but also shaped my global outlook.”

Students Marylyn Sanchez and Deborah Nguyen participated in a December short-term exchange program at Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics. They unanimously agreed that the combination of traditional culture courses and corporate internships significantly enriched their learning experience, pushing them beyond their comfort zones to explore a foreign business, technology, and fashion environment.

They emphasized that Chinese culture has had a profound impact on their lives from now on, and they hope more CSUN students will gain similar study-abroad opportunities in the future.

A Spectacular Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

In addition to cultural sharing, the banquet featured a series of captivating artistic performances, leaving the audience in awe:

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Tea Ceremony Performance – Children of CSUN Chinese-American professors showcased the grace and elegance of traditional Chinese tea culture rituals.

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Tibetan Dance – SanMari Dance Company performed a lively “ The Tibetan Lagang Step Song

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Sichuan Opera Face-Changing – Master Ming amazed the audience with his exquisite face-changing skills.

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Magic Show – Layla Wu (伍学慧) delighted guests with a fun and engaging magic performance.

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Erhu Solo – Yang Liu (刘扬) performed the classics “Galloping Horses” and “Speak Softly Love”.

(Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Calligraphy Demonstration – David Zhao (赵牧) showcased his bold and powerful Chinese calligraphy, drawing a captivated audience.

Promoting Culture and Strengthening Exchange

This event not only provided CSUN students，faculty and community friends with a deep cultural experience of the Chinese New Year but also fostered cross-cultural understanding and educational collaboration through performances and exchange-sharing sessions.

CSUN’s China Institute faculty members stated that they will continue to host more cultural exchange activities, creating broader platforms for collaboration between Chinese and American students and scholars, and further advancing international academic cooperation and intercultural communication.