The International Connection Programme (ICP) commenced the new semester with a series of engaging activities, bringing together mentors and mentees to strengthen connections, promote cultural exchange, and build a supportive community.
To mark the start of the second semester, a start-of-semester luncheon was organized for the ICP mentors and mentees. The activity offered a relaxed and welcoming setting for the participants to reconnect after the winter break. Through information sharing and informal conversation, mentors and mentees were able to establish rapport and reinforce their mentorship relationships.
Another highlight was the visit to CUHK (Shenzhen). This cross-campus visit broadened the 40 plus participants’ perspectives on academic life and student culture beyond Hong Kong. During the visit, mentors and mentees had the opportunity to explore the campus environment, learn about academic offerings, and engage in exchanges with peers. The experience was inspiring, encouraging the participants to reflect on multiple dimensions of higher education.
In celebration of the festive season, the programme also hosted a Lunar New Year reunion dinner. The dinner served as a joyful occasion for mentors and mentees to come together and celebrate this important festival in a lively atmosphere. Sharing on Lunar New Year customs, tasting traditional festive snacks, and engaging in fun activities created a memorable evening that fostered cultural appreciation among the participants.
Beyond the centrally organized activities, ICP teams demonstrated initiative by arranging their own gatherings and cultural activities. These student-led initiatives ranged from casual meet-ups to cultural sharing events, such as a Chinese calligraphy workshop, local tours, and cultural booths. Notably, these cultural activities received positive feedback from fellow students, highlighting the programme’s impact in promoting intercultural understanding and inclusiveness within the wider campus community.
Overall, through a combination of structured events and student-driven initiatives, ICP continues to provide a dynamic platform for mentorship, global leadership development, and cross-cultural interaction among students.
