When Anna Luna Hassler, an exchange student from the University of Parma in Italy, flawlessly pronounced “tangyuan” (a traditional Chinese glutinous rice dumpling) in Ningbo dialect, laughter filled the dining room of Joseph Yu, an Associate Professor in Information Systems at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC). As the first participant in UNNC’s “Immersive Cultural Experience: Holiday Homestay Programme” in 2025, Anna transformed from a curious visitor into a cherished member of her Chinese host family within months, showcasing how immersive cultural experiences transcend borders.
Each year, UNNC welcomes over 100 exchange students from more than 40 countries and regions. To help them engage deeply with Chinese culture, the university has pioneered this homestay initiative that pairs students with local families. Anna’s journey included celebrating festivals and experiencing daily life with Joseph’s family.
“Previously, my impression of China was limited to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Now, I’ve experienced the vibrant reality of Chinese life,” Anna shared. One standout memory was the Lantern Festival, when three generations of Joseph’s family gathered to make tangyuan, stroll through lantern fairs, and enjoy a festive dinner. “In Italy, such family reunions only happen on special occasions. Here, I feel that warmth every day,” she added.
The programme fosters mutual learning. While Anna explored Ningbo’s landmarks, cuisine, and traditions, Joseph’s family delved into Italian food and culture. “The magic of cultural exchange lies in discovering both differences and similarities—whether sharing traditions, learning each other’s languages, or discussing life perspectives. These moments truly bring people closer,” Joseph remarked.
“We wanted to go beyond classroom learning and offer them an immersive, first-hand experience.” emphasised Professor Alain Chong, Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Partnerships. “This helps them understand cultural differences in a natural way and develop real cross-cultural skills. When students return to their home countries, they become cultural ambassadors, sharing their personal stories and building bridges between cultures. In this way, the impact of the project goes far beyond individual experiences—it fosters greater understanding and cooperation on a global scale,” he added.
Looking ahead, UNNC plans to expand the programme with activities like cooking classes, personal celebrations, and short holiday trips. For families considering hosting, Joseph advises: “Start with simple topics like hobbies or daily life. Respect differences, and you’ll discover common ground.”
Published on 26 March 2025