The GEP Opening Ceremony in China was held at Xixi Campus, Zhejiang University on January 6, 2012. Professor WU Xiaobo, Executive Dean of School of Management, Professor ZHANG Gang, Associate Dean of School of Management, representatives of Emlyon Business School Shanghai campus, course teachers, project coordinator teachers, and all GEPers attended the opening ceremony.

Professor ZHANG hosted the ceremony and warmly welcomed all the GEPers. Professor WU then introduced Chinese culture and Hangzhou, suggesting that we have “Dream, Passion, Responsibility, and Smile.” Some of the faculty briefly introduced courses of the program.

On the day before, the School organized City Exploration in order to provide some basic ideas and impressions about Hangzhou, where GEPers would spend the next four months.

69 GEPers from all over the world were divided into 13 groups, and each group had several destinations to go and tasks to accomplish. Tasks included taking pictures of famous spots or architectures and sharing those experience with other teams.

West Lake and Wushan Square were the chosen destinations. In Hefang Street, foreign students were very interested in Chinese handicraft and lingered in silk store, chopsticks and sculpture shop for a long time. Seeing street artists wearing ancient costumes, they were all excited and put on those clothes to take photos.

The GEPers also enjoyed the beautiful West Lake. Some groups watched people practicing calligraphy on the ground using water. Some joined square dancing teams. Pictures of traditional architectures, West Lake, and smiling people were presented. All GEPers had a wonderful time and a better understanding of the local culture.