International friends receive warmth by volunteering in Sanlitun

"There are so many cultures and backgrounds of countries all around the world. Being a 'volunteer teacher,' I'm happy to help kids expand their horizons. It's like sowing a 'seed' in the kids' hearts about living in a cross-cultural community," Lena explains.

Her UIBE schoolmate, Nabina KC Magar, also enjoys the cross-cultural communications during public-welfare activities organized by the team. Magar relocated to China from her country, Nepal, in 2018. She completed four years of undergraduate education, in east China's Shandong Province, before beginning her master's program at UIBE.

Giving back to society is a "big deal" for Magar. She is unlikely to forget the mooncake-making activity, during Mid-Autumn Festival, in mid-September. "It was special, because we, as international volunteers, were teaching Chinese children how to make a mooncake. I enjoyed a lot the opportunity to take part in a cross-cultural exchange, while learning something that could be useful in the future."

Magar often participated as a volunteer in various activities in Nepal. However, she says that felt like she was with a "private club." She says working with the team in Sanlitun has enabled her to meet amazing people. "It provides good exposure (to the local community) and precious experiences for an international student, like me," Magar says.