On September 27, Faculty ofEducation of Beijing Normal University held a welcome party at LanHui restaurant for the 2013new international students. The Faculty ofEducation has the tradition of hosting such parties with international students since 2011 (when the first ever international badge was registered). This year the party was the grandest of all as around 50 students from all over the globe had joined BNU for MA, PhD and Erasmus Mundus classes; indicating the increasing fame and credibility of the university amongst the international students. The Chinese MA students of the Institute of International and Comparative Education also joined in. The Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof Shi Zhongying, Vice Dean Dr. Li Jiayong, representatives of the International Students' Office Deputy Director Ai Xin and Ms Han Ruilian a long with a number of professors graced the party with their kind presence.

The party was hosted by both Chinese and International students: Su Yang (China), LiusCarvalho Da Silva (Portugal), Marvon (Zimbabwe) and Muhammad Abid Malik (Pakistan).

The party opened with the introduction of the hosts. Su and Luis hosted the first part. First of all, Prof Shi Zhongying was requested to come to the stage and address the audience. He welcomed all the students and wished them the best. Then Prof. Li Jiayong spoke to the new students, telling them about the Chinese culture and advising them how to adjust to the Chinese culture and society. After that, Chinese students' representative Rao Shuqi and international students' representatives Sophie Hyeon (MA), Kayombo Joel Jonatha (PhD) and Erasmus Mundusspoke on the occasion. All of them expressed their joy and delight at joining BNU. They also expressed their desire and willingness to learn and thrive under the able guidance of the esteemedprofessors.

After the formal speeches, the new students were introduced to the audience through PPTs. Su and Luis introduced their classmates respectively, while Marvon introduced both MA and PhD students from the new international badge. The Chinese and international students were paired together so that they could work in order to enhance the cultural understanding and harmony, and for better learning. At the same time, the dinner was served. The professors and the students were treated with famous Chinese delicacy. Understanding and respecting the cultural diversity, a separate table was arranged for the Muslim students where halal food was served.

The last part contained performances from Chinese and international students. It was hosted by Muhammad Abid Malik.The Chinese student Ding Ruichang performed Chinese opera. It was an enthralling and magnificent show which captured the attention of the audience. Frank Larbi of Ghana gave an interesting and unique dancing performance, warming the party. He, according to the host, 'seemed to have one leg of Michael Jackson and the other of a tribal dancer'. The audience applauded the performance whole-heartedly. Finally, Neganje Blessing sang a Chinese song about friendship to entertain the audience. After that, the host, Muhammad Abid Malik, announced the official ending of the party, thanking the university and the International Students' Office for arranging such a fantastic party.