'Laowai Idol' contest draws young talents

[Photo by Akash Ghai/provided to China Daily]

South Korean student Jeong Woo-jin showcased his Chinese skill on the stage by singing Chinese singer Guan Zhe's Xiang Ni De Ye (The Night When I Miss You), which won him a big round of applause.

"Many South Korean students in China love this song because of its rhythm and the singer's voice," says the 25-year-old Renmin University student.

"The difficult part of learning a Chinese song is memorizing the lyrics, but it's a very helpful way to build my Chinese vocabulary."

The show not only provides a platform for foreign students to showcase their talent, but also brings joy to Chinese students.

"Only a few talent shows that I have watched are as exciting as the Laowai Idol," says Jia Ningyu, a freshman at the UIBE. "It releases my academic pressure."

Jia appreciates the unique art forms and diverse cultures the event brings.

"From South Korean and US pop culture to traditional Vietnamese dance, the event broadens my horizons and motivates me to learn more about other cultures," she says. The number of international students coming to China has surged in recent years.

Last year, China became the No 3 destination for students who study abroad, after the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the Ministry of Education.

The UIBE currently has the second-largest international student population among Chinese institutions－3,251 students from 151 countries and regions－after Beijing Language and Culture University.

Founded in 2010, the event is designed to discover young talented people among the increasing number of international students, says Liu Jinlan, associate dean of international education at the UIBE.

Over the years, the event has morphed from a campus event of one university to a talent show catering to international students across Beijing.