Manchester-China Friendship Programme

Enhancing cultural understanding and forging friendships across borders.

A group photograph of participants of the Friendship Programme.

The Manchester China Institute (MCI) has teamed up with the Manchester China Forum (MCF) and UoM’s International Office to help integrate new Chinese students into campus life, while simultaneously enriching the campus experience for local students.

The Manchester-China Friendship Programme (MCFP) seeks to develop mutual understanding and friendships between British and Chinese students from the University of Manchester, particularly important at a time when anti-Asian prejudice, discrimination, and aggression has increased in the UK and around the world. Integration is at the heart of the programme, as we hope to address the long-standing issue of hostility and racially targeted violence faced by Chinese student communities on western campuses.

The scheme offers several exciting intercultural activities throughout the academic year to develop positive interactions between UK-based "host" students and newly arrived Chinese freshers. MCFP participants explore Manchester's heritage sites, discover foreign cultural celebrations, share traditional dishes, try out new sports, and get together for socials. Through the prism of Sino-British cultural exchanges, UoM British and Chinese students can better understand each other's backgrounds, learn from one another, and promote an inclusive campus environment for all.

Meet the Manchester-China Friendship Programme students.
Launching the 2nd Edition of the Friendship Programme at MCI.
MCFP students ice-skating under the Spinningfields’ Christmas lights.
MCFP students sharing traditional Chinese dishes at Pinwei Restaurant.
MCFP students enjoying a movie and pizza night at Students’ Union.
MCFP students celebrating Lunar New Year in Manchester’s Chinatown.
MCFP students sharing an afternoon tea with Manchester’s Lord Mayor.
MCFP students making dumplings from scratch at Pinwei Restaurant.
MCFP students breaking a sweat with fun badminton sessions.
MCFP students discovering Manchester’s football culture at Etihad Stadium.
MCFP students trying Chinese traditional dancing at Felice Studio.
MCFP students enjoying the sunshine with a picnic in Whitworth Park.
MCFP students smiling before paddling in the Dragon Boat Race.
MCFP students going out for free bubble tea at Ohayo Tea.
MCFP students dining with low-carbon Asian dishes at Manchester Museum.