Association of Students for International Exchange (ASIE) Builds Bridges Between Chinese and American Students

The inauguration ceremony for Association of Students for International Exchange (ASIE) and the 3rd Sino-US Culture Exchange Envoy Award took place at Wenzhou-Kean University on November 2.

Among the delegates of the ceremony were the President of Kean University Dr. Lamont Repollet, Chair of WKU Board of Directors Mr. Frank Wang, Executive Vice Chancellor of WKU Dr. Cary Anderson and Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Haina Zhu. They were joined by KUSA exchange students and WKU exchange students.

Wenzhou-Kean University has launched exchange programs with Kean University since 2014, with more than 100 students from both universities exchanging annually. Over 1,600 Chinese and American students have joined the mutual exchange programs. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all areas have been increasing with deepening mutual understanding. This fall, over 160 WKU students went to KUSA for exchange while KUSA has six exchange students studying at WKU.

ASIE is a student organization affiliated with the Center for International Studies of WKU, which is committed to promote cultural exchanges between Chinese and international students in WKU, helping international students better understand Chinese culture and adapt to campus life. The main purpose ASIE is the reception of KUSA exchange students, WKU international students, and students from Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, providing guidance on study and daily life, organizing cultural activities, and promoting the exchange program to KUSA.

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet remarked that the exchange of Chinese and foreign students has its far-reaching significance of boosting academic exploration and intercultural communication. He hopes that the students can broaden their horizons, enrich their learning experience and expand their worldview through the exchanges. He also looks forward to welcoming students from WKU on KUSA campus and interacting with them to promote Sino-U.S. friendly relations together and make the world a better place.

Ziyang Xie, a senior student majoring in Finance, shared his exchange experience at Kean University. He said that he gained a deeper understanding of the world thanks to this experience. After returning to China, he served as a mentor for the exchange students from Kean University and he mentioned that the interactions were unforgettable and they fostered deep relationships.

Vitor Bryan Costa, a KUSA exchange student, also shared his experience of studying at WKU as an exchange student. He received a warm and gracious reception at WKU and made many new friends. He encouraged the exchange students to delve deeper into their understanding of China during their exchange period and explore the world through their lenses.

WKU directors of the board Mr. Alexander Mirabella and Mr. John Kean Jr., presented those students who have been actively participating in the exchange activities between the two universities with the “Sino-US Culture Exchange Envoy Award.”

Writer: Xiaoen XIA

Proofreader: Wenwei XIANG, Yifei DING