What a fantastic afternoon we had, with over 40 students and staff members gathering in the McClay Library Auditorium to celebrate the special Tandem Language Exchange Programme on International Students’ Day on Friday 15th November!
The event began with warm welcomes from representatives of the Student Union, the International Student Experience Team, and The Language Centre.
This was followed by introductions from four Queen’s student societies, including QUB International Students Society (QISS), Chinese Students and Scholars Association (QUB CSSA), Indonesian Students Society (PPI Belfast), and Malaysian Students Society Northern Ireland (MSSNIQUB), who shared their glorious past achievements and exciting updates on upcoming activities. They extended heartfelt invitations to international students to get involved and to enrich the vibrant community life at Queen’s.
Next, three international students —Zahra, Luyao, and Chen — shared inspiring stories from their unique experiences on campus. From the perspectives of a recent graduate, a well-settled, and newcomer as a visiting student, they illustrated the joys and challenges of living in a multicultural environment, offering insights into how they have embraced Queen’s inclusive and diverse atmosphere.
From the institutional side, staff members Karen (The Graduate School), Conall (Queen’s INTO), and Liang (The Language Centre) highlighted the wide range of resources and support available. They also shared their personal experiences of engaging with students, showcasing how a dynamic and supportive learning community can be fostered at different levels.
The celebration concluded with a lively social and networking session, providing a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the spirit of intercultural exchange.
