The Long Journey Across Cultures: My Intercultural Adventure from CDIC to Chang’an University by Zhao Ruixiang

Hello everyone! I am Zhao Ruixiang, a student at CDIC and the President of the English Association at Chang’an University. Today, I am honored to share with you my intercultural journey, a path filled with challenges and rewards, and a continuous process of growth and learning.

CDIC planted the initial seeds for my intercultural adventure. Through CDIC, I had the privilege of meeting the Irish Ambassador and gaining a deeper understanding of Irish culture and history. In conversations with my professional course instructors, Anton and Aasifa, among others, my cultural knowledge has been further enriched. This experience not only broadened my horizons but also strengthened my resolve to become a bridge for cultural exchange. From that moment on, I began actively participating in various intercultural activities, striving to find common ground amidst the collision and fusion of cultures.

During the freshman ceremony, I played the role of a king in an Irish-themed skit, using performance to help more people experience the charm of Irish culture. At the CDIC summer camp, I enthusiastically engaged with classmates from different countries and was awarded the title of “Outstanding Camper.” These experiences gave me a profound appreciation for the richness of cultural differences and highlighted the importance of breaking down stereotypes. I began proactively communicating with foreign teachers to learn about their countries’ cultures and actively befriended international students on the campus of Chang’an University, sharing our cultures and stories with one another.

Since becoming the President of the English Association at Chang’an University, I co-founded the “British Parliamentary Debate Workshop” series with CDIC’s foreign teacher, Kinuthia. Additionally, I initiated the “Globe Trekker” series, which aims to bridge cultural gaps and foster deeper mutual understanding by sharing the history, overview, art, and culture of different countries. Another initiative I created, the “Informal Forum,” focuses on discussions of cultural topics. For each session, I invite international student friends to participate, allowing people from different regions to share their cultures and perspectives.

Through our collective efforts, many students, including those from CDIC, have developed a keen interest in intercultural communication. Each “Globe Trekker” event attracts over 200 participants, and some ice-like stereotypes gradually melt away, converging into a river of intercultural understanding. I hope more students will actively engage in intercultural activities and work together to build bridges between different cultures!

The journey across cultures may be long, but every step is meaningful. Let us move forward hand in hand, growing together through cultural integration, and infusing the world with more understanding and inclusiveness!