Science 2+2 students and alumni celebrate the Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is one of the most festive holidays celebrated by many ethnic communities around the world. This holiday is called the "Lunar New Year" because it is based on the lunisolar calendar. It is a time where people gather to usher out the old year and welcome in the new. This year, we celebrate the year of the rooster.

Many 2+2 students are unable to return to their home country to celebrate the Lunar New year, so we try to make them feel welcome here at Waterloo and provide them with a second home” says Cathy Wang, Undergraduate Coordinator of International Programs.

The event included numerous performances showcasing the many talents of 2+2 students, such as a live performance of “You Raise Me Up”, as well as a traditional Chinese song.

In the spirit of the Lunar New Year, games and prize drawings were also set up. Students were assigned unique numbers and won prizes if faculty members drew their “lucky” number.  Winners received red envelopes corresponding to prizes ranging from traditional Chinese snacks to Starbucks gift cards.

Alumni of the 2+2 program, who are currently continuing their studies or are working, rekindled their friendships that they developed during their time at the University of Waterloo.

Many old friends met with each other today,” says Wang. “I could see that the students had a lot of fun. For some, this was the first time they gathered again after graduation.

The Science 2+2 Program is a partnership program between the Faculty of Science and 31 Chinese universities to provide students with the opportunity to gain an international learning experience. Students spend their first two years of university at their home institution and then come to Waterloo for the subsequent two years. At the end the students will graduate with two degrees - one from their home institution in China and one from the University of Waterloo.

Students interested in the program can sign up for more information online through the Waterloo Science 2+2 website.