A team of students from the School of Engineering travelled to Harbin, China for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest.
Hosted by Harbin Engineering University, an international partner of the School of Engineering, the annual event draws student teams from across the globe to engage in the snow sculpture competition.
Representing the University of Aberdeen were civil engineering students Matilda Kelly, Denisa Krštieňová and Oluwatimileyin Kalejaiye, who skilfully sculpted a pre-submitted design on a 1.5m x 1.5m block of compacted snow over 3 days, in temperatures ranging from -9 to -23°C.
Their design, entitled named ‘A Warm Welcome’ blended elements from both Chinese and Scottish culture – the popular ‘waving lucky cat’, the flag of Scotland and the Chinese greeting ‘Ni Hao’ which was engraved on the tablet held by the cat.
Beyond the competition, Matilda, Denisa and Oluwatimileyin also got to meet and get to know other student teams from various different countries around as well as local students from Harbin Engineering University.
Reflecting on her experience, 2nd year MEng Civil and Structural Engineering student Matilda Kelly said: “Considering it was out first time taking part in such an event and additionally sculpting, we were more than happy to be awarded the Prize of Excellence during the closing ceremony…. Extra thanks to our professor Ana Ivanovic who presented us with the opportunity and helped organise the arrangements for the trip. It was a delightful experience and an honour to take part.”
In addition to the sculpting competition, the students also explored the city of Harbin, visiting local landmarks such as the frozen Songhua River, St Sophia’s Cathedral and a Buddhist monastery in Nangang. They also visited the spectacular Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and got to enjoy the local cuisine famous for its delicious dumplings, noodles, and hot pots and enjoying various cultural events organised by Harbin Engineering University.
Professor Ana Ivanovic, Director of Internationalisation and Student Recruitment in the School of Engineering added: “We are delighted that our students took part in this unique cultural experience and would like to thank our partners at Harbin Engineering University for their kind hospitality. Our partnership with Harbin Engineering University sees students from China completing three years of their BEng Civil Engineering degree in Harbin followed by their final year here in Aberdeen. It is fantastic that students from the UK also get to benefit from the exchange of cultures through this partnership.”