To enrich the extracurricular life of international students, build a bridge for cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, and help international students to experience the spirit of sports culture through athletics, the College of International Education organized a volleyball experience event for international students on Tuesday afternoon, March 31. International students from different countries and regions gathered at the school's indoor gymnasium, where they enjoyed the fun of volleyball amid laughter and cheers, strengthened their friendships, and experienced the spirit of Chinese volleyball.
(Photo from the event)
Action on the Court: Volleyball Experience Ignites Cross-Cultural Enthusiasm
At the beginning of the event, Chinese students provided a detailed explanation of the basic rules of volleyball, as well as fundamental skills such as serving, bumping (forearm passing), and setting. They then patiently guided the international students through hands-on practice. Although some international students were initially unfamiliar with volleyball movements, thanks to the careful guidance of their Chinese peers and the encouragement of one another, they quickly got the hang of it and gradually found their rhythm on the court.
On the court, the international students were full of energy and enthusiasm. Every movement—serving, bumping, spiking, and blocking—was filled with strength and vitality. International students of different nationalities formed temporary teams, cooperating and working together seamlessly. Though their jerseys were soaked with sweat, smiles never left their faces. Off the court, cheers and words of encouragement rang out one after another. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, fully showcasing the uplifting spirit of the international students. Through sports, they broke down language and cultural barriers and gained pure joy and friendship.
(Photo from the event)
Chinese Volleyball: Competing on the World Stage, Showcasing the Spirit of a Sporting Powerhouse
Volleyball was introduced to China in 1905. In 1954, the Chinese Volleyball Association officially joined the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). After more than a century of development, Chinese volleyball has become a major force in the global volleyball community, with the achievements of the Chinese women's national volleyball team being particularly remarkable. Chinese volleyball has not only demonstrated strong competitiveness on the court but has also given rise to the spirit of the Chinese women's volleyball team — characterized by unity, collaboration, tenacity, and never giving up. This spirit has become an important symbol of Chinese sportsmanship, inspiring generations of Chinese people while earning respect and acclaim from people around the world. It has also become a significant cultural ambassador for China's international outreach.
Voices of International Students: Volleyball as a Bridge to Feel the Warmth and Charm of China
This volleyball experience event not only allowed international students to enjoy the joy of sports but also deepened their understanding of Chinese volleyball culture, leaving them with unique and heartfelt impressions. Belikto, an international student from Russia, said: "This is my first time systematically learning to play volleyball. The Chinese students were very patient in their guidance, and I really enjoyed playing together with friends from different countries. Through the media, I learned about the brilliant achievements and fighting spirit of the Chinese women's volleyball team. Their never-give-up attitude deeply moved me and gave me a much deeper understanding of Chinese sports culture."
Said, an international student from Kyrgyzstan, said: "Volleyball is a sport that requires teamwork. During our coordination, even though we spoke different languages, a single glance or a simple gesture was enough for us to understand each other. Chinese volleyball is so strong on the world stage — it makes me feel how powerful China is, and it also makes me love China even more, as well as the people and culture here."
Other international students also shared that the event not only enriched their extracurricular lives but also made them feel the care and warmth of the university and the College of International Education, bringing them closer to China and to their Chinese peers. They expressed hope for more such experiential activities in the future to further explore Chinese culture and build even more friendships.
(Photo: Group photo of international students at the volleyball event)
Building Bonds Through Sports: Cultivating Understanding, Friendship, and Love for China While Strengthening the Foundations of Cross-Cultural Exchange
Sport is a universal language that knows no borders. This volleyball experience event for international students was not only an opportunity to develop athletic skills but also a celebration of cross-cultural exchange. The College of International Education is consistently committed to fostering character and cultivating understanding through sports and cultural education. It actively promotes international students' engagement in the learning and experience of outstanding Chinese cultural and athletic activities, and strives to build a platform for interaction and exchange between Chinese and international students. Through these efforts, international students can experience China's development and charm firsthand, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the country.
The successful hosting of this event not only enriched the campus life of international students and spread Chinese volleyball culture and sportsmanship, but also subtly nurtured in international students a sense of understanding and friendship toward China. Understanding China is the foundation; friendship with China is a bond that transcends borders. Only by enabling international students to immerse themselves in the cultural charm, national spirit, and development achievements of China can we build a solid bridge for cultural exchange between China and the world, promote mutual understanding and companionship among young people from different countries, and sustain the momentum for international communication. This will continue to deepen the integration of friendship and cultural exchange between China and other nations, allowing the flower of mutual learning among civilizations to bloom even more brilliantly through cross-cultural interaction.
Written by: Zhang Ruyi
Photograph by: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
