Chen Li, the Secretary of the ACSSNL, welcomed the guests on behalf of the association. `The year 2008 was marked with unfortunate disasters like the Sichuan earthquake and the torrential floods in South China which claimed a lot of lives. But the Beijing Olympics put China on the world map. We now look forward to 2009 and hope that it brings prosperity not just for China but also for the world,' he said.
Former Rector Henk Zijm then gave a short introduction to China's history and discussed interesting information on the lunar calendar year 4707. He remembered the contribution of Professor Cees Hoede in getting students from the Xiang University of China to the UT. He hoped that such collaborations would continue in the future. He informed the guests about plans to introduce a new master's program in Asian Studies. `We look forward to working with you,' he concluded.
Machteld Prins, the Visa coordinator at the International Office, conveyed her new year wishes to all present. `I have kids studying abroad. I know how difficult it is. But I am sure your family and friends are very proud of you and your achievements' she said. She acknowledged the difficulties that foreign students have to face in getting a visa to come to the Netherlands. She hoped that things would be streamlined in the future, and she promised all possible help in dealing with any administrative issues that the students or their families may encounter.
Xiao Zhang, the vice president of the association gave information about the New Year celebrations in China. He promised ACSSNL would have badminton tournaments, food festivals and Chinese exhibitions in 2009 and expressed a keen desire to have international participation at all these events. `New Year celebrations in China are marked by new clothes, presents and good food- with food being the most important part of the celebrations. We welcome you to enjoy your dinner with us.' he said.
Dutch students from the UT volleyball team Harambee, were among the international students present at the event. They had been invited by their Chinese team mates, `We love the food and we are glad we came to the event,' they said.
Jennifer Gunbs and Sergio Partowidjojo, students from the Saxion Hogeschool, and originally from tiny islands in the Caribbean, had heard a lot about the international events at the UT. `We will try to come more to such events. This is so much fun.' Yin Sun, a master's student at the CTW faculty said that Sunday evening was the most important day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. `But I have to study. I have exams on Monday. Once I'm finished taking my exams then I am going to cook some traditional Chinese dishes and share it with my friends.'
The evening ended with a lucky draw. All the prize winners were given calendars with beautiful paintings made by children from the Sichuan province of China. These were gifts from the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands. Liu Ye, a bachelor's student of Business Administration at the UT, stayed back to enjoy the New Year festivities at the UT. She will be going to China next week for a short holiday. `I missed my family. But this was a very unique New Year celebration for me. I have a lot to tell my family when I go back.'
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