On the evening of October 14, 2024, the International School English Circle, a lively student organization, successfully held its English Corner Event, one of the Second Classroom Activities (Extracurricular Activities) in Room 4-204, starting at 7:00 PM. The event was honored by the presence of Professor Louis Simenhoff, a distinguished management professor, as well as several English language educators who offered valuable guidance. Participants included members of the International School English Circle, representatives from fully English-taught programs, exchange students from Lincoln University College Malaysia, and student delegates from the School of Foreign Languages. The event also attracted attention from faculty members, including Professor Shuze Tang, Dr. Wenzhen Mai, Dr. Lin Li, Dr. Lew Chee Hon, Teachers Weiwei Lai, Pan Hu, and Yingyue Dai, from the School of Management, who attended as observers. The entire event, conducted in English, was skillfully moderated by a English Teacher Ms. Yuying Han from the International School's Academic Affairs Office. She introduced the theme, "Travel Stories and Life Insights," sparking thoughtful discussions and offering a range of topics for English communication.

The English Corner Event Was hosted by English Teacher Ms. Yuying Han

        At the English Corner event, hosted by Teacher Yuying Han, a student from the International School gave an engaging presentation about his trip to Hong Kong. He vividly described the city as a vibrant hub of skyscrapers, fast-paced living, and a lively energy that left a strong impression on him.

        Another student shared his experiences in Shenzhen, emphasizing the city’s extraordinary transformation from a small fishing village to a thriving metropolis. He discussed how people from all over the country have brought a rich diversity of cultures and ideas, contributing to Shenzhen's success. The city’s ongoing growth, with new buildings and infrastructure constantly emerging, showcases its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Students from International School Shared Their Insights on Shenzhen

        During the event, Professor Louis Simenhoff recounted a compelling travel story in a more formal manner. He described an experience where he became lost on a mountain during a personal trip, losing contact with his companions. Due to language barriers, he initially struggled to get help, which caused him significant anxiety. Fortunately, he came across a kind Scotsman who lent him a mobile phone, allowing him to contact his tour guide and be rescued, thereby avoiding any serious danger. "This experience highlighted the importance of language skills when traveling" he emphasized.

Professor Louis Simenhoff Shares His Personal Travel Experiences and Emotions

        Inspired by Professor Simenhoff's "Travel Stories and Insights," students overcame their hesitation in speaking English and eagerly shared their own travel experiences and reflections. Exchange students from Lincoln University College Malaysia recounted their journey from their hometowns to Guangzhou, Guangdong. Additionally, a teacher from the School of Management shared her experiences of studying alone in Spain, offering students a deeper appreciation of cultural differences between China and other countries, while also providing valuable insights into life abroad.

Exchange Students from Lincoln University College in Malaysia Shared Their Travel Insights with Professor Louis Simenhoff

        The English Corner event, centered on the theme of "Travel and Insights," deepened students' understanding of foreign cultures, promoted mutual understanding and friendship, and encouraged curiosity and reflection on diverse cultures and languages. The event not only fueled the students' enthusiasm for learning English but also boosted their confidence in speaking the language, sharing personal stories, exchanging experiences, and offering perspectives.

 Poster for English Corner Event, the International School's Second Classroom Activities (Extracurricular Activities)

Written by Weiwei Lai

Revised by SM Hashmi

Approved by Shuze Tang