UL celebrates the Year of the Snake
Posted on: Wednesday, 1th February 2013
The University of Limerick and many of its international students have rung in the Chinese New Year at a gala event this week. The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar and 2013 sees the arrival of the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake symbolises intelligence, prosperity and wisdom.
Over 130 Chinese students were joined by Korean, Japanese and Thai students in celebrating the event. UL Faculty and staff, including staff from the International Education Division, were also in attendance and guests were treated to a traditional Chinese New Year celebration, including traditional food, games and entertainment. Speaking at the event, Yan Yu, who is studying for a Masters in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies, said ‘I never expected to have such a good Chinese New Year in Limerick.’
The University has a number of well-established affiliations in China and UL’s network of institutional partners in China is growing steadily. 2012/3 saw an increase in the number of undergraduate students enrolling in joint programmes from Xidian University, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Tianjin Foreign Studies University and Shandong University of Technology. Irish students have also benefitted from these collaborations with students taking part in architecture and business summer schools hosted by Tongji University and Tianjin University.
Commenting on the event, Professor Paul McCutcheon, Vice President Academic and Registrar said ‘The Chinese community at the University of Limerick is a very important part of our international community and we are delighted to be growing our relationship with China and strengthening our partnerships with many third level institutions there. In 2010 the University of Limerick established an office in China and this year we are looking forward to celebrating UL40 with our growing Chinese Alumni in Beijing and Shanghai.’