CPP Welcomes International Students and Scholars to Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
With games, food, and performances, Cal Poly Pomona warmly welcomed its international students and scholars during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on Sept. 17.
The event was an opportunity for over 70 international degree-seeking, exchange, Semester@CPP, Cal Poly English Language Institute (CPELI) students and visiting faculty to converse and immerse themselves in a cross-cultural environment.
The festival included a cultural attire show, singing, Japanese Bon Odori dancing, a magic show and a Mariachi performance. Through competitive games, students, scholars, faculty and staff had the opportunity to connect by engaging in teamwork and sportsmanship.
Although it originated in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival has spread throughout Asia and the world. The celebration focuses on three fundamental concepts: gathering with friends and family, giving thanks, and praying.
“This is not only time to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it also is an opportunity to get together, to enjoy a workplace as a family, to support each other, and get ready to achieve our inspirations, aspirations and goals for this new semester,” said Larisa Preiser-Houy, interim dean of College of Professional and Global Education. “We are grateful to all of you and your confidence in us in choosing our university, Cal Poly Pomona, as a destination for your study and research. We have an amazing Global Campus team to serve you, and I assure you that you will have a wonderful experience.”
The Global Education Institute (GEI) and the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) organized and sponsored the event. Lisa Xue, director of GEI, emphasized that the purpose of the event is to promote diversity and enhance cross-cultural awareness among our students, faculty, and staff.
President Coley also made a key emphasis on the importance of cross-cultural learning and growth as a global community.
“We want you to participate and be a part of the activities, whether it’s in your academic program or whether it’s in one of over 300 club organizations. For those of you who are from another country, we benefit from engaging with you. We benefit by understanding your experiences and how you see things,” Coley said.
To learn more about the international community on campus, visit the Global Campus Website.