From May 16 to May 20 2013, the First China (Changsha) Mineral & Gem Show (CMGS) was grandly held in Hunan International Convention & Exhibition Center by Hunan Provincial People’s Government and Ministry of Land and Resources. This is the first international mineral and gem show in Chinese history. 1200 exhibit traders from 54 countries all around the world took part in this show with their treasures.

Before the opening ceremony, the Organizing Committee Office of CMGS sent an invitation letter to invite volunteers of our university to offer reception and translation to the traders. Leaders of the Foreign Language Department paid special attention to this practice and set up a guide group led by Mr. Wang Shu and Ms. Tang Wenjuan to pick out volunteers and offer guidance. After fierce competition organized by the Organizing Committee Office, 7 business English majors of 2010 successfully passed the interview and became receptionists, translators or interpreters of CMGS after a 5-day pre job training.

Toward the conclusion of the show, a commendatory meeting was held. The Organizing Committee Office expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the organization of Hunan Women’s University, offered their highly appreciation to the volunteers of Foreign Language Department, and hoped that they would get support of HWU for the future CMGS.

The volunteer program provided not only a rare opportunity for the students who could improve their English, but also an innovative idea of discipline construction through more practice for the department. (Translated by Ms. Long Min from the International Affairs Office)