On 11 December 2024, the Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLCC) of the School of General Education at UIC hosted its Chinese Talent Show, bringing together students and faculty to celebrate language, culture, and creativity.

International and exchange students taking group pictures

The event, held in a lively and festive atmosphere, has shown the impressive linguistic and cultural achievements of exchange and international students enrolled in Chinese language courses. Hosted by Ms. Angela Liu from CLCC and Claudia Gandini from Intermediate Chinese I, the show included some exciting activities such as stage comedy, pitch-pot, Chinese song performances, and charades.

Dr. Wilhelmus Johannes Helmut WARMENHOVEN (left) and Mr. Andrew William PEAT (right) performing stage comedy “Dian Cai (点菜)”

Chinese folk game “Ji Gu Chuan Hua（击鼓传花）”

Participants playing traditional Chinese game “Pitch-pot (投壶)”

CLCC teacher Ms Michelle Wang (left) presenting the Lucky Draw 3rd Place Prizes to recipients

Students from Intermediate Chinese I class performing Chinese song “Xue Hua Piao Piao (雪花飘飘)”

Students from Intermediate Chinese II presenting “Gold-Medal Tour Guide (金牌导游)”

Students playing Charades in Chinese

CLCC teacher Ms Candy Cai (middle) presents the Lucky Draw 2nd Place Prizes to student recipients

Students from Elementary Chinese I performing song “Super Idol (热爱105度的你)”

Elementary Chinese I class teaching participants the dance “Ke Mu San (科目三)”

CLCC teacher and course convener Dr. Jenny Cui (left) presents the Lucky Draw 1st Place Prize to international student Nil Rana Colakoglu (right) from Turkey

This year’s talent show held special significance as it continued to build on the success of previous years, symbolizing the growing cultural exchange and mutual appreciation among the diverse UIC community.

International and exchange students watching performances

Many participants reflected on how their journey learning Chinese had deepened their understanding of Chinese culture and strengthened bonds with classmates and teachers, “When I use phrases I’ve learned in class to order food in the canteen, 师傅们 are always so kind and encouraging. They smile when I try my best to order without a translator, which makes me feel how welcoming and supportive Chinese culture is. It’s not just about learning the language, but also connecting with people from different cultures and their kindness,” says Amal Tleuliyeva from Elementary Chinese I.

Danelya Serik (left) and Amal Tleuliyeva (right) from Kazakhstan

“Chinese talent show gave me a chance to develop stronger bonds with teachers because I happened to know some of them and being there makes me feel like we share the same stuff,” says Christopher Owen from Intermediate Chinese I.

Ms Candy Cai (left), Avril Wu (middle) and Alesia Tykhonova (left)

The Chinese Talent show is also a great opportunity for both students and teachers to relax during final weeks, “I was happy to see that everyone’s having fun and catching some breaks during final weeks,” says Alesia Tykhonova, who is currently studying for HSK 2 by herself.

Group photo

Jordan Chris Hypon, Enzo Dantez, Dr. Jenny Cui and Nil Rana Colakoglu (from left to right)

The event concluded with heartfelt speeches and a celebratory farewell to mark the end of a fruitful semester. Students expressed their gratitude for the enriching experience, promising to carry forward the lessons and memories from their time at UIC.

New year gifts

Overall, this celebration provided a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Chinese traditions, explore the richness of the language, and build connections beyond cultural boundaries. It was not just a showcase of the class’s talent, but also a representation of how shared experiences can bring diverse communities together.

Reporter: Avril (Xunyao Wu) from ATS

Editor: Peter Erickson

Photographers: Haishan Li (MPRO), Hanna Qiubei He (MPRO)