GDUFS Students Participate in Reception of Russian

At the invitation of Boao Sofitel Hotel, 20 students majoring in Russian, ranging from juniors to postgraduates in the GDUFS Faculty of European Language and Culture (FEULC), served as interpreters while the Russian TV program <Comedy Club> was shooting installments during Carnival, a festival held on Dongyu Island, Hainan from October 30 to November 12.

<Comedy Club> will air a series of shows featuring the hotel beach, hot spring, spa, and golf course, as well as traditional Chinese arts such as kungfu, mahjong, language, calligraphy, and massage. The series will be shown on Russian state television during the coming six months, with the aim of introducing Hainan's famous resort -- Boao -- to the Russian public.

Photo of GDUFS interpreters with the Sofitel hotel management team

The interpreters received thorough training from the Sofitel HR department concerning dress code, courtesy, and professional expertise before starting to work. During the 11-day reception, each interpreter was assigned to a different hotel department, such as Housekeeping, Front Desk, Food & Beverage, or Leisure Complex. Because of insufficient relevant work background and the difficulty to adapt to the three-shift workday, some students felt it hard to complete the work efficiently. However, they tried their best to get involved in the new environment and overcome the difficulties they encountered. All the students got along well with their new colleagues and were able to complete their assignments.

Through the experience, the students enhanced their language skills and accumulated valuable social experience. Their efforts at professionalism and interpersonal communication, as well as their strong team spirit, were highly appreciated by the management at Boao Sofitel Hotel. Besides, their smiles and kindness impressed the Russian guests as a display of the excellent demeanor of GDUFS students.

With the rapid development of China's tourist industry, and with focus on the 2005 Year of Sino-Russian State, the 2006 Year of Russia in China, and the 2007 Year of China in Russia, an increasing number of Russians are visiting China, particularly southern China, for tourism and business. This increase in Russian visitors to China calls for much more professional talent in Russian language. FEULC and Sofitel Hotel have responded to this demand by agreeing to establish a practice base for GDUFS Russian-major students.

Photo provided by Linda Yu