The huge success of the first China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair cannot be noted without acknowledging the contribution of the volunteers from universities and colleges in Ningbo. They are from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, University of Ningbo, Ningbo University of Technology, Zhejiang Business Technology Institute and Wanli College. Those volunteers have so much to share with In Zhejiang. What has China-CEEC Expo brought to them?  

1. “The real commercial world becomes demystified in front of me”

“In the tower of ivory, I idealized the real world as rationally organized by the abstract mercantile theories written on the textbooks. However, the volunteering experience of coordination really changed my view. There are so many things unpredictable that need adaptability and tact. I have learned a lot,” said Wang Hao from Zhejiang Business Technology Institute.

2. “The cultural feast evoked my dream of traveling to the faraway land”

“Before applying for volunteering in China-CEEC Expo, I rarely knew any background knowledge about the CEEC culture because it seemed so distant from me. It is the volunteering experience that enriched my world with cultural diversity and desire to explore more. Now, my mind is full of envisioned images of those countries, especially Lithuania. I am so attracted by the stunning amber brought by the Lithuanian exhibitors! Cannot wait to travel there,” commented Jiang Wentao, Chen Shunong and Wu Saijun from Ningbo University of Technology.

3. “I recognized the importance of cross-cultural communication”

On June 9, 2019, 20 volunteers from Faculty of Humanities and Social Science in UNNC volunteered as interpreters in the 6th China-CEEC Cooperation Seminar For Chambers of Commerce at Nanyuan Hotel International Conference Center.

“This opportunity is very valuable to me. In the translation process, I learned how to express speakers’ opinions more accurately to build more effective communications. This conference also helped me to realize the value of the trade between CEECs and China. For example, my Romanian guest, for whom I am interpreting, is attempting to find the business opportunity in China. Thus, I think the non-universal languages of CEECsshould also be valued more in our education to help build a closer commercial and cultural partnership with them,” remarked by Yifei MA, student majoring in English Study in University of Nottingham Ningbo China.