Tag Archives: volunteering

Happy Lantern Festival!

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Lantern Festival Marks the Grand Finale of QUB’s Chinese New Year Celebrations

As the Lantern Festival arrives (Tuesday 3 March), we bring this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations at Queen’s to a joyful close.

Over the past weeks, colleagues, students, and community members have come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse through a vibrant programme of events.

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  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

From cultural talks and creative workshops to online exhibitions, the programme has highlighted the richness of Chinese heritage while fostering intercultural dialogue and shared learning. Our Culture Talks series sparked thoughtful conversations, while hands-on activities created space for connection, creativity, and community spirit.

The Lantern Festival, traditionally symbolising reunion, light, and new beginnings, offers a fitting conclusion to this journey. As we gather for our closing event, we celebrate not only the end of the festive season, but also the partnerships, friendships, and cultural understanding strengthened along the way.

Thank you to all our facilitators, volunteers, participants, and supporters who made this year’s celebrations such a success. We look forward to welcoming you again next year.

While the Chinese Culture Programme will continue to deliver culture talks, workshops, and other related events throughout the year, we are sincerely grateful for your willingness to contribute to and participate in our activities. Your support and engagement are what make the programme meaningful and impactful.

We would greatly value your feedback. If you have any suggestions, proposals, or reflections, please take a few minutes to complete the form below and let us know your thoughts on this year’s programme, as well as any ideas you may have for future activities. Your input will help us continue to grow and improve.

CNY Programme Feedback and Evaluation Form
CCP2026 Homepage

Queen’s Engages Future China Specialists at A National Event

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On Tuesday 10 February, Queen’s University Belfast took part in the 8th Schools and Universities Day – Chinese (and related) Learning Pathways, hosted by the UCL IOE Centre for Chinese Language Education. Bringing together 15 universities and over 400 school students and teachers from across England, the event was a vibrant space for sharing ideas, building connections, and inspiring the next generation of Chinese language learners.

Isabella, Liang and Thea (left to right)

Dr Liang Wang (Queen’s Language Centre) was invited to a round-table discussion on developing “China-literate” talent, exploring how schools and universities can work together to strengthen progression pathways. He showcased Queen’s innovative approach to intercultural learning through communities of practice, including initiatives such as the Chinese Culture Forum and Tandem Language Exchange Programme.

Alumna Isabella Souza McLaughlin (Global Student Recruitment) shared her journey of studying Mandarin Chinese as part of her International Business degree. Speaking on a university student and alumni panel, she emphasised the value of adaptability and openness in intercultural contexts, while reflecting on the challenges of completing her work placement during the pandemic. She also spoke about the rewarding experience of working with Chinese colleagues in both the UK and China in her role at Queen’s today.

Supported by student ambassador Thea Godfrey, the team also hosted an information stand throughout the day, engaging with prospective students and teachers. From course details and scholarships to life in Belfast, Queen’s showcased the many opportunities available to students interested in combining Chinese with their degree and career ambitions.

The outreach and engagement provided an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of Queen’s and connect with the next generation of globally minded students in the UK.

About Schools and Universities Day (Click to expand)

This free event offers a unique opportunity for school teachers and secondary-school learners of Mandarin to meet departments from universities across the UK. Through these dialogues, learners can explore the range of opportunities and pathways for continuing Mandarin at university.

Since its inception, feedback on the day has been overwhelmingly positive. It creates space for informed discussions between students and university representatives and facilitates connections between teachers and universities.

Source: UCL IOE

To find out more about the International Business with Mandarin Chinese degree at Queen’s, please click the button below.

International Business with Mandarin Chinese

Lion Dance at Lanyon Building

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To mark us galloping towards another successful year, our beautiful Lanyon building was illuminated in red tonight. ❤️

Meanwhile staff and students were treated to a magical lion dance performance, a tradition known to spread blessings and good fortune for the year ahead.

  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Liang Wang
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

We thank you for joining us in this meaningful celebration and hope you have enjoyed yourselves with nice snapshots. If you would like to share yours to be added to the album, please send your photos to liang.wang.

We are also keen to invite you to attend many of our upcoming events:

  • Culture Forum Talks
  • Fun Time with Table Tennis
  • Bridges to China Launch (fully booked)

Check the Chinese Culture Programme 2026 Homepage for more upcoming events throughout the year.

CCP2026 Homepage

QUB CNY2026 Successfully Launched

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What could be better than a splendid day of sunshine on Friday 13 February, following such a long period of gloomy, rainy weather? On the day, over 60 Queen’s students, staff members, as well as civic partners and guests, joined the Chinese New Year celebration programme at One Elmwood, Queen’s – the hub for intercultural encounters and exchanges.

Chaired by Dr Liang Wang, the launch began with a captivating performance of traditional guzheng music by PhD candidate Fei Li from Queen’s Business School. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Topping delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the University, highlighting Queen’s achievements in global engagement over the past year, particularly with Asian countries such as China and India. Dr Bee-Yen Toh, Co-Chair of the iRise Staff Network, and Thomas Smith, Language Centre Manager, also extended their welcomes to staff, students, and civic partners, emphasising the importance of intercultural understanding through language learning, dialogue and shared activities. Mórrigan McEvoy, Student Officer for Accessible Education, offered her greetings and encouraged students to actively participate in university events and contribute to building a multicultural campus.

Following the launch, attendees were invited to the ground floor, where the traditional Dragon and Lion dance began in the foyer and continued outside the One Elmwood building. The celebration concluded with a group photo featuring all participants, symbolising the farewell to the Year of the Snake and the welcoming of the Year of the Horse.

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Another highlight of the celebration was the appearance of the God of Fortune, who generously distributed lucky “money” – chocolate coins and replica ancient Chinese coins – to those wishing to embrace good fortune in the year ahead.

Additional performances included a vibrant K-pop dance, a graceful Tai Chi demonstration, and a Chinese Jianzhan tea cup display in the foyer. Meanwhile, cultural workshops such as calligraphy, paper crafts, tea and incense ceremonies, and guzheng appreciation sessions were held in the Cube, engaging and entertaining participants throughout the afternoon.

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Blessed by the sunshine and strong support from One Elmwood Student Engagement Team, the event was a great success, with strong attendance and positive social impact. Queen’s is proud of its role as a civic university, promoting diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging, supported by its vigorous academic and educational innovation.

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In keeping with Chinese New Year traditions, the celebrations will continue over the next two weeks, featuring six culture talks, a table tennis event, and a QUB-supported collaborative “Bridges to China” launch. All are warmly welcome!

For more upcoming events, please visit Chinese Culture Programme 2026 Homepage.

Arts and Crafts Workshops

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Thank you to our volunteers, facilitators, and participants for warming up the festive atmosphere for the upcoming Year of the Horse. While the workshops have concluded, the Drawing the Horse submission remains open until Tuesday, 10 February. Please read the post for submission requirements.

CNY Arts and Crafts Workshops

We hope you all enjoyed the workshops and looking forward to welcoming everyone to our CNY Launch Day on Friday 13th February in One Elmwood. For more information and registration, read the page below.

CNY Launch

Workshop in Pictures

Celebrating CNY at Queen’s and in Belfast

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Celebration CNY at Queen’s

With the Year of the Horse fast approaching, Queen’s University Belfast has released its celebration programme, alongside a few civic Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations. In this post, we would like to highlight the events and activities that may generate shared interest.

Queen’s colleagues are warmly invited to take part in a range of cultural activities celebrating the Year of the Horse. The celebrations will highlight a Launch Event on Friday 13 February, 12:00–1:00 pm, at One Elmwood Cube, followed by a Dragon Parade and Cultural Fair in the One Elmwood Foyer and Cube areas throughout the afternoon.

Online Exhibitions

We are grateful to have collected paintings from ArtEast Club members in the 6th consecutive year and the photos of China with intercultrual reflections from three Queen’s photographers.

The coming weeks’ highlights are:

Student-led activities (Friday 06/02)

  • CNY Arts and Crafts Workshop & Drawing Competition
    1:00–4:00 pm, The Cube, One Elmwood
  • Chinese Singing Competition
    7:30 pm, Harty Room, Music Building

Culture Talks (Monday 16/02 – Thursday 26/02)

Beginning from Monday 16th, there will be a cluster of culture talks contributed by Queen’s academics, research students and guest speakers from a wide range of subject areas and professional backgrounds, as below:

Fun Time with Table Tennis (Saturday 28/02)

Sponsored by QUB iRise Staff Network and One Elmwood Student Engagement Team, we would like to invite all staff members and students, and their families as well, to join this fun and friendly event to engage with this popular sport among the Chinese communities, as well as providing an opportunity for enhancing student and staff wellbeing through sport. Both beginners and more advanced players are welcome to sign up for the fun event, with an appreciation of its unique culture, as well as developing some practical skills in body movements and mediation.

Launch of Bridges to China Project (Sunday 01/03)

Finally, it is worth recommending this launch of Bridges to China Project, which is a collaboration between Queen’s researchers and their civic partners including Chinese Welfare Association, National Museum NI and AvliaMedia on creating a repertoire to enhance public understanding of Chinese heritage and culture in Northern Ireland. It also aims to foster community partnerships leading to further collaboration and community engagement around the longstanding links between Northern Ireland and China.

For more information and registration, please visit the full programme below. You are all very welcome to join us and enjoy the cultural celebrations of the Year of the Horse. If you would like to help with us in any of the events and activities, you may consider filling in the volunterring form below.

CCP2026 Homepage
Volunteering to Support CCP2026 Programme

Celebrating CNY in Belfast

If you would like to know more about CNY celebration events outside Queen’s, we hope you find the following information useful.

Monday 16/02 by CCC NI and CWA NI

The annual Spring Festival Gala, jointly organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, N.I. and Chinese Welfare Association N.I., returns this year to the Europa Hotel. Save your date on Monday 16th February at 6pm.

Friday 20/02 by East Side Arts (with Artsekta and Belfast Film Festival)

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Templemore Baths Heritage Centre with a creative workshop and light hearted action packed film. 

Sunday 22/02 by Success Dragon and Lion Dance Association

The Chinese New Year Celebration returns to the Ulster Hall Belfast on Sunday 22nd February 2026 celebrating the Year of Horse. Come to enjoy a day is full of fun and joy, rich in Colours and Culture. With over 12 global dances and music not to be missed.

Saturday 28/02 by ABCP NI

值此佳节来临之际，全英华人教授协会北爱尔兰地区诚挚邀请您参加2026年春节庆祝活动，共庆团圆，同贺新岁！本次活动旨在促进学术交流、增进友谊，并为在北爱工作学习的华人学者及家庭提供一个温馨团聚的平台。我们期待与您共度一个充满知识与欢笑的下午，并在晚宴中共叙情谊、喜迎新春。如您计划出席，请于 2026年2月14日（星期六） 前报名。参与对象： 北爱尔兰地区大学老师、学者、博士生、访问学者及家属。

Happy Year of the Horse! 马年快乐！

CNY2026 Info Session and Celebrating Int’l Volunteer Day

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5th December is International Volunteer Day. We warmly invite Queen’s students and societies, staff and service teams, along with civic and community partners, to join this information session to celebrate International Volunteer Day and to explore ways to contribute to Queen’s Year of the Horse celebrations.

Come join us at 1 pm on the day in the iconic Great Hall for a get-together and sharing of celebration information and ideas.

All is welcome and registration is required.

Registration

Mid-Autumn Festival and Welcome Event Celebrates Cultural Diversity at Queen’s

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On Friday, 3 October, despite the adverse weather conditions, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Welcome Event went ahead as planned, bringing together over 50 students, staff (including visiting scholars), and community partners in the McClay Library Auditorium. The celebration featured live music, cultural displays, talks, and refreshments, all showcasing the vibrancy and inclusiveness of Queen’s community.

  • Decoration with mooncakes and flowers
  • Decoration with mooncakes and flowers

The event opened with a captivating guzheng performance of Moon Rising High by PhD candidate Li Fei, setting a graceful tone for the afternoon’s celebration of community and civic engagement.

  • Welcoming guzheng music by LI Fei
  • Welcoming guzheng music by LI Fei

Jointly organised by The Language Centre and iRise (BAME&I) Staff Network, the event featured welcoming remarks from Thomas (Language Centre Manager) and Bee-Yen (Senior Lecturer, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Co-Chair of iRise), who both reflected on the cultural importance of celebrating diversity at Queen’s. Mórrigan (Student Officer for Accessible Education) and Claudia (Chair of the International Students’ Association) also spoke, introducing the roles of the Queen’s Students’ Union in supporting a student body representing over 80 countries and regions.

  • Welcome by Thomas Smith, Language Centre Manager
  • Welcome by Dr Bee-Yen Toh, iRise Staff Network co-chair
  • Welcome by Mórrigan McEvoy, Student Officer Accessible Education
  • Welcome by Claudia Liu, Chair of International Students’ Association

Dr Liang Wang shared greetings from both local and international participants, including a surprise message from Queen’s University, Canada, and highlighted a series of successful student- and staff-led projects in line with the Cultural Diversity Scheme at Queen’s in recent years. He also invited attendees to take part in the new round of upcoming activities. Special thanks were given to student volunteer Shiuh Ting Gho, who delighted participants with beautifully written calligraphy pieces of traditional festival greetings.

  • Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations at Queen’s
  • Introduction to Mid-Autumn Festival
  • Greetings from the participants
  • Greetings from the participants
  • Greeting from a special guest from Queen’s University in Canada
  • Calligraphy display from Shiuh Ting Gho
  • Highlight 1 – Journal of Eutopia Art and Culture
  • Highlight 1 – Journal of Eutopia Art and Culture
  • Highlight 2 – Taste of the World: A Journey Through Food and Culture
  • Highlight 2 – Taste of the World: A Journey Through Food and Culture
  • Highlight 3 – QUB DEIB Forum
  • Highlight 4 – Bridges to China Project

In the cultural display segment, Li Fei further demonstrated her artistry through a traditional tea and incense ceremony, showcasing the elegance and mindfulness of Chinese cultural practices. Attendees showed great enthusiasm, enjoying both the demonstration and a taste of freshly brewed Chinese tea.

The afternoon concluded with networking, mooncake tasting, and refreshments, leaving everyone with warm smiles and shared appreciation for Queen’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.

Photographer: Tianpeng Yao, Liang Wang

Participants wanted

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论文对象招募

📌 实验内容（纯线下校园里进行）

  • 配对写作（与一位小伙伴合作完成一篇短篇150字左右的英文作文）
  • 完成一个小问卷（关于写作期间的情绪感受）

👩‍🎓 招募对象：

  • 母语为中文，第一外语为英文
  • 年龄 18–55 岁，本硕博在读生

🗓 时间安排：

  • 可根据你的空闲时间预约

💰实验报酬：

  • 20磅的优惠券或者是200字论文润色服务


⚠️ 实验说明：

  • 参与完全自愿，可随时退出
  • 实验数据仅用于学术研究，严格保密

📩 报名方式：

  • 有兴趣的同学扫码进群

Participants wanted

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Calling international students and Chinese students at Queen’s

Below are two pieces of ‘Wanted’ messages looking for participants. If you think you are the right person to get involved and make a contribution, feel free to contact them to express your interest.

1 Participants for AI and Second Language Acquisition Research

My name is Zhuofei, and you can call me Sophie.

I’m a PhD student in psychology at Queen’s. My first study focuses on the impact of AI on Second Language Acquisition. I’m currently looking for international students who are Non-English Speaker from any countries.

As an international student, have you ever used AI in your language use?

My answer is: I have — and quite a lot, to be honest!

As non-native English speakers, it’s perfectly normal for us to experience a bit of language anxiety when using English in UK classrooms. Imagine that moment when you want to speak up, but your brain decides to play hide-and-seek with vocabulary. Yep, been there.

Now here are the big questions:

  • Does using AI to help with language actually reduce that anxiety?
  • Does it make you more motivated to learn? Or more confident to speak up in class? Or… does it sometimes make things worse?

That’s what I’d love to find out — with your help! Let’s explore together how AI is really shaping our language learning journeys as international students. Who knows — you might discover you’re not the only one secretly best friends with ChatGPT!

If you are interested in taking part, please scan the QR code in the poster😊

There will also be a Focus Group on the same topic later. if you wish to participate, please send me an email. Thank you very much and looking forward to having a chat with you in what promises to be a very interesting discussion 👍

2 《中国之桥》项目

贝尔法斯特女王大学、 北爱国家博物馆（NMNI）和我们华人福利会合作共同运营的「中国之桥」 项目已经开启。

项目背景：北爱尔兰国家博物馆（NMNI）现藏有70件中国文物，但相关历史资料匮乏，且公众接触机会有限。本合作项目由女王大学研究人员（历史学、博物馆人类学）、NMNI及华人福利协会共同发起，旨在重塑公众对这些文物的认知。在项目团队支持下，当地华人社群将参与研究、分享专业见解，并通过创意形式回应这些文物，最终生成新的文献记录和社区反馈，汇集成一份公开发表的数字成果。项目还将促进社区合作，进一步探索北爱尔兰与中国之间的历史联系。

这个项目非常有意义，请有意参加这个项目的朋友填写以下意向书。

谢谢大家的支持。

意向表