IEC students  took part in a groundbreaking event of Intercultural Competence Competition held on 3 January 2024 at SAU, which provided them with an opportunity to demonstrate their unique experience and culture shocks that they had been exposed to while studying in China.

The competition's goals were to improve students' intercultural competency and help them have a greater awareness of cultural diversity. It demonstrated the depth of cross-cultural learning as well as the difficulties IEC students encountered adjusting to life in China.

There were two phases of the competition. In the first, the students devised a stage play that focused on their experiences and cultural shock in China. It was full of amusing stories that not only made the viewers laugh but also made them aware of the diversity of cultures. The judges and spectators were taken aback by the IEC students' complete Mandarin-language expression of their ideas during the second stage.

Participants in the competition expressed their culture shock moments, providing a glimpse into the stark differences and unexpected similarities between the cultures in their respected country and China. From language nuances to social customs, students shared anecdotes that reflected their journey of adapting to a new environment.

The Intercultural Competence Competition's triumph is a noteworthy achievement for SAU in advancing cross-cultural dialogue and equipping students for a world that is increasingly interconnected. The occasion inspired students to take up like projects, promoting respect and understanding amongst other populations.