A Global Bridge in Shanghai: International Students At the Heart of Baoshan's Festival Events and Cultural Exchange

During the 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, international students from Shanghai University stepped off campus to actively participate in volunteer services and social practices in Baoshan District. Through this hands-on social engagement, they gained a deeper understanding of the authentic and multifaceted Chinese society, becoming dynamic ambassadors of cross-cultural exchange.

At the high-profile 2025 F1H2O Shanghai Grand Prix on the Baoshan waterfront, eight international student volunteers from Shanghai University's SILC threw themselves into their roles. Their passion, professionalism, and excellent communication skills were instrumental to the event's seamless success.

Name　　　　　　  Gender　   Nationality

KUAN QI YING　　　 Female　　 Malaysia

Khaliun Batbayar　   Female　　 Mongolia

Jessica Oline Effendy  Female　   Indonesia

MIRONOV MIKHAIL　 Male　　　 Russia

Alekseeva Emiliia　   Female　　  Russia

GRADOVA DARINA　 Female　　  Russia

Shamma Geste　　　 Female　　  Haiti

SIMSON CHANG　　　Male　　　 Indonesia

Throughout the three-day event, the international student volunteers, assigned across different roles, became a bright and warm presence trackside with their diligent work and sincere smiles. They played a key role in both ensuring operational smoothness and promoting friendly cross-cultural dialogue among participants.

Shamma Geste from Haiti, who volunteered for the F1H2O event for the first time, shared her heartfelt reflections: "Being able to personally participate in a world-class sporting event like F1H2O was a truly unique and meaningful experience. It not only allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the excitement of water sports but also gave me the opportunity to share my passion and service with the citizens of Shanghai and global audiences. I feel incredibly proud."

MIRONOV MIKHAIL from Russia, whom we might call a "veteran" volunteer, was providing his services to the F1H2O Shanghai Grand Prix for the second time. He particularly highlighted the beautiful setting of the Baoshan waterfront venue: "The venue this year was just as stunning as ever. The scenery along the Baoshan waterfront complements the modern event perfectly." He also deeply valued the precious friendships forged through volunteering: "The volunteer platform allowed me to not only contribute to the event but also befriend people from all over the world. It has been an truly unforgettable experience."

A Global Chorus: "Haiyi" International Student Choir Celebrates with Song

On the Mid-Autumn Festival night of October 6th, Shanghai University's "Haiyi" International Student Choir brought a multilingual, cross-cultural musical feast to the Baoshan Art Corner, captivating the audience with a performance full of warmth and youthful spirit.

The "Haiyi" Choir's performance lit up the festive and international city with unique artistic brilliance, as they took the stage amid the dual celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the 2025 F1H2O Shanghai Grand Prix, which gathered athletes and friends from across the globe along the Wusong waterfront.

 

At the performance, Shanghai University's "Haiyi" International Student Choir embodied the idea that "music has no borders" through their crystal-clear harmonies and diverse repertoire.  Their songs, spanning from Chinese classics to English favorites, built a bridge of sound, allowing all in attendance to share in the artistic wonder and cultural warmth of the festival night.

The "Haiyi" Choir uses music to bridge cultures. Their latest performance fused the traditional Mid-Autumn spirit of reunion with a modern, open sensibility, showcasing Shanghai's inclusivity and the cultural confidence of its youth.

Shanghai University is committed to nurturing outstanding talents with a global perspective and a strong sense of social responsibility, actively encouraging its international students to participate in various social practice and volunteer service activities. The collaboration with the Baoshan District authorities during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays serves as a vivid embodiment of this educational philosophy and a concentrated demonstration of the outcomes in cultivating globally competent individuals. Through their concrete actions, the international students of Shanghai University have showcased their exemplary qualities, proving themselves not only as diligent learners but also as friendly bridges and cultural links connecting China with the world.

Source: Shanghai University