To foster cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between Chinese and Thai teachers and students, as well as to ease the homesickness of international students in China, the School of International Education, in collaboration with the International Students' Home Association, held a cooking party themed Cook's Heart Shines on the morning of December 14 in Activity Room B101 at Beiyuan Apartment.

The event began with lively music from China and Thailand, as team members participating in the cooking contest immersed themselves in the kitchen's pots and pans, skillfully dicing, marinating, seasoning, and cooking. In no time, the Chinese student representatives had prepared a range of delicacies, including cola chicken wings, shredded potatoes with green pepper, and small tomatoes with plum filling, dazzling in color, aroma, and taste. Meanwhile, the Thai student representatives made a delectable Thai dessert cake topped with sweet chocolate sauce, offering a unique and delightful flavor. Subsequently, a birthday celebration for the Chinese and Thai students was held. This occasion marked their first experience of celebrating a birthday in a foreign land, making it particularly memorable. They lit candles, sang birthday songs, made wishes, enjoyed cake and home-cooked meals together, and shared their experiences. Their laughter echoed throughout the venue.

This event not only facilitated the exchange of culinary culture between Chinese and Thai students but also fostered a deeper sense of belonging to the Nanjing Vocational College of Information Technology (NJCIT). Additionally, it offered a platform for cross-cultural interactions between Chinese and international students, promoting mutual understanding and enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills to some extent.

Photo/Text by Dai Yangzhi, School of International Education

Reviewed by Cao Xue, School of International Education