Fighting COVID-19 | Overseas Students from the School of Humanities and SJTU’s Partner Confucius Institutes Join in the Battle Against COVID-19

As the outbreak of COVID-19 rapidly spreads all around the world, overseas students from the School of Humanities and SJTU’s partner Confucius Institutes have made great efforts to help with epidemic control.

The present severe global outbreak has drawn a lot of concern from the entire faculty regarding the school’s studying abroad students, and the school has kept in touch with overseas students to ensure their health and safety. Lu Di, a doctoral student from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature studying in America, and Huang Qiongyao, a doctoral student from the Department of Philosophy studying in France, shared their experiences abroad and their ideas of this global challenge. They explained the local epidemic situation and preventive measures taken by local government, and they were also impressed by the effective measures taken by Chinese government and its significant results. Besides, they mentioned that as part of a global community with a shared future, we should help and support each other at this difficult time and with joint efforts we would overcome this challenge together. 

Furthermore, the School of Humanities has collabrated with SJTU’s partner Confucius Institutes to fight against COVID-19 together. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly influenced the work of SJTU’s overseas partners, such as the Confucius institute of Heidelberg University, the Confucius Institute of UNSW, and the Confucius Institute of UCLA. The school has expressed its concern and support for those partners, and stayed in touch with their faculty and students. Meanwhile, those Confucius Institutes have also taken effective measures to help with epidemic prevention and control. 

To eliminate prejudices and avoid racial discrimination, the Confucius Institute of Heidelberg University has sought to truthfully present China’s fight against COVID-19 in Germany through lectures and class discussions. With the support of Heidelberg University and SJTU, the Confucius Institute has made full use of the technology to conduct online courses and ensure the orderly advancement of teaching. 

The Confucius Institute of Heidelberg University held an online teaching training program

Rheinneika Daily reports on the “Sino-Germany Corner” held by the Confucius Institute of Heidelberg University

During the outbreak, the faculty of the Confucius Institute of UNSW took turns to work in the office; however, they continued to deliver Chinese classes to students in the classroom to ensure the progression of teaching. The students expressed their concern for China and filmed videos to show their support for China and their confidence in China’s fight against COVID-19.

The Chinese Teacher An Na and two master students Zhang Jinyong and Lan Yifeng from SJTU are currently working and volunteering in the Confucius Institute of UNSW. 

Austin (Lin Hao), a student from the Confucius Institute of UNSW and the First Prize winner of the 17th Chinese Bridge Competition, filmed an encouraging video. 

The epidemic has no borders and human destiny is closely connected. The School of Humanities has always upheld the concept of “A Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, actively sharing experiences, exchanging information and strengthening research collaboration with overseas institutions. We believe that with joint efforts from all sides we will win the battle against COVID-19.