On December 6, 2025, a warm and meaningful cultural exchange event lit up the campus of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). Student representatives from emlyon business school’s Asian Campus Semester (ACS) joined students from HIT’s BSc in Applied Data Science (Sino-French Joint Program) for a rich, interactive, and inspiring Sino-French student meetup. Throughout the day, students from different cultural backgrounds connected through sincere conversations, thoughtful reflections, and enthusiastic participation—adding another vivid chapter to the cooperation between the two institutions.

Opening Remarks — Cross-Cultural Understanding Begins with a First Encounter

The event officially began with welcoming remarks from HIT representatives, who extended their greetings to all participants and introduced the background of the partnership between the two universities in talent development and joint education programs. A warm-up video then brought the audience into an atmosphere of ease and anticipation.

Following this, Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK, Associate Dean for Programs and International Cooperation of emlyon Asia and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, delivered a keynote speech. Starting from the theme of global talent cultivation, he encouraged students to broaden their perspectives through cross-cultural experiences and develop international awareness, while expressing hope for deeper collaboration between the two institutions in the future.

▲ Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK, Associate Dean for Programs and International Cooperation, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, emlyon Asia

Dean Yang LIU, Associate Dean of the School of Management at HIT, then delivered a speech titled “Management Education in the Context of International Cooperation,” outlining the university’s innovations in talent development and affirming the positive role Sino-French collaboration plays in shaping students’ future careers.

▲ Yang LIU, Associate Dean, School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology

Opening a “French Perspective” Through Real Experiences

Next, emlyon ACS student representatives took the stage. Their presentation centered on French culture, daily life in France, and their learning experience at emlyon. From classroom atmosphere to city culture, from studying abroad to adapting across cultures, they shared vivid stories that brought a multidimensional and authentic France before the audience. Their natural and engaging storytelling quickly drew students in and highlighted the beauty of international exchange.

Ice-Breaking —Getting Closer Through Interaction

The event also featured a special ice-breaking session and gift exchange between students from both sides. Sharing cultural traditions, humorous expressions, and everyday anecdotes from China and France, students engaged in light-hearted conversations that helped them understand one another and feel more connected.

In the creative collaboration activity that followed, students were randomly grouped and invited to complete a small artwork together. Despite their different language backgrounds, communication soon became smooth and lively. Discussions and laughter echoed throughout the room, and each group’s imaginative work reflected the openness, inclusiveness, and creativity of young people navigating cultural differences.

Sharing the Warmth of Culture Through Food and Exploration

To deepen cultural exchange, HIT students accompanied ACS students to enjoy authentic Northeastern Chinese cuisine. From the sweet and crispy “guobaorou” to the generous, hearty style of Northeastern dishes, the meal left a memorable impression on the French students.

After lunch, the activity extended into campus and city exploration. HIT students led the group through key campus landmarks, sharing stories about HIT’s academic spirit and campus culture along the way.

In the evening, the students continued their cultural journey through Harbin’s iconic city sites. From the European charm of Central Avenue, to the calm expanse of the Songhua River, to the historic Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Flood Control Memorial Tower—the essence of Harbin’s winter beauty unfolded step by step.

A Single Encounter, Opening Doors to More Possibilities

From formal presentations to creative collaboration, from conversations over shared meals to walking through the city together, the 2025 Sino-French Student Exchange offered meaningful opportunities for mutual learning beyond classrooms and national borders. Students from two cultures built understanding through dialogue, trust through cooperation, and friendship through shared experiences.

Moving forward, Harbin Institute of Technology and emlyon business school will continue to strengthen collaboration and provide students with more enriching international learning opportunities. We look forward to the next encounter—and to many more moments of cross-cultural connection yet to come.