For 3 weeks during February our region hosted a group of 30 university students from our Sister City of Nanning, China led by Professor Chengqiang Qin and 2 supporting teachers.
The group stayed at Kelly’s Beach Resort and studied through the CQU Campus with Council’s Senior Development Officer Haiyi Wu providing inter-cultural and translation services.
Apart from their academic studies the group focused on the Australian way of life, its history and its enduring culture.
I can understand that this may seem like a bit of a “ho-hum” issue to some but I can attest to the fact that it not only resulted in successful social and cultural exchanges but also provided a significant economic outcome for many local businesses. Approximately 700 bed nights (accommodation), 2,000 meals and Heaven knows how much spent on Mum’s credit card through the shopping centres. Many of the kids had to buy large suit cases to take home their purchases without caring about the excess baggage charges.
I understand that future visits are planned and instead of coming for 3 weeks, there are possibilities of visits extending for many months.
These kids were polite, articulate and highly appreciative of the welcome that they received from the CQU staff, the Council and the general community. They’ve just posted this YouTube presentation as a “thank you” to everyone who looked after them. (A few spelling mistakes & pronunciations but isn’t that what it’s all about?!).