As the Year of the Snake approaches, the campus of the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) comes alive with festive decorations marking the arrival of this auspicious year. International students from various countries are eagerly anticipating their unique festive experiences in this city where East meets West.
Shamorie Glasgow, a Year 1 student enrolled in Tourism Business Management Programme hails from the British Virgin Islands. She is experiencing her first Chinese New Year. “I’m so excited to attend the parade happening in Macao, which will showcase floats and performances that portray the ‘Year of the Snake’! I’ll be immersing myself in the local traditions and festivities. This is not only a time for me to enjoy myself but to gain further knowledge about Chinese cultural traditions,” Shamorie enthusiastically shares. Beyond experiencing Macau’s unique festive atmosphere, she has planned to visit neighboring cities Zhuhai and Hong Kong to witness how each city celebrates this vibrant festival. “I plan to savor every moment of this so it will be an unforgettable experience!”
Reichel Helene is a German exchange student. Having lived in Germany and Canada before, this semester in UTM marks her first venture in Asia. As the campus and the city become adorn with festive decorations, she has grown stronger interest in CNY. Helene has learnt more about CNY traditions through her new friends, and she is also taking an active role in cultural activities, including participating in a Nian gao (traditional New Year sticky rice cake) workshop at the UTM hostel. Her celebration plans extend beyond Macao, as she will be visiting Hong Kong and Vietnam to experience festivities with her friends where she will discover yet another cultural perspective on the CNY celebrations.
Mind, Chuenthanawut Kanyarat, is a master’s student in Digital Marketing and Analysis programme. She is preparing for her first Chinese New Year celebration away from her hometown—Thailand. She is particularly enthusiastic about Macao’s significant festivities, especially the parade and fireworks display contest, which she considers must-see events. And during the CNY holiday, she plans to spend most of her time by exploring various tourist attractions in Macao, including the Macao Museum and Senado Square, to deepen her understanding of local history and culture. “I want to create lasting memories of my study time in Macao,” she says, “and I’ll be documenting everything through videos for my social media to share these special moments.”
Winnie Zhu, from Ireland, is a Year 4 student in Hotel Management programme. Planning to participate in local festivities and events such as the Chinese New Year market, she believes celebrating CNY in Macao provides a perfect opportunity to better understand and integrate into local culture. “Macao’s diversity offers an unparalleled blend of Eastern and Western traditions, creating experiences you simply can’t find elsewhere. The university’s diverse activities have not only broadened my horizons but also helped me form meaningful friendships with people from all over the world.”
Andres Chen is a Year 4 student enrolled in Tourism Retail and Marketing Management programme. The Argentina student appreciates how the university community comes together during this special time, “even on campus, we can feel the excitement through CNY greetings from the Student Affairs Division and various celebration activities,” he notes. He is eager to celebrate the festival with fellow international student and to experience the special festive atmosphere in Macao – from the spectacular fireworks displays to the vibrant markets and cultural performances.”
Content: Alicia Dai, UTM Year 4 student (Tourism Retail and Marketing Management)
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
