Czech student's passion for cultural exchange, community service

Barbora Sloupova has lived and studied in Shenzhen since 2018. As a Czech doctoral candidate in media and communication at Shenzhen University, she promotes Czech culture and cross-cultural understanding in the city through teaching, volunteer work, and public art.

Barbora Sloupova visits the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

Drawing on a background that combines linguistics, Chinese language study, and international relations, Sloupova says her doctoral studies naturally integrate these fields.

Media and communication demand clear expression and careful word choice — skills honed in linguistics and language study — while international relations provides the global awareness needed to gather and verify information.

From October to December 2024, Sloupova participated in the “Silk Road Nanshan — Cultural Exchange” program as one of 17 international students representing about 15 countries. Through the program, they visited 23 primary and secondary schools in Nanshan District.

Using photos, videos, quiz games, and group activities, she introduced Czech specialties, cuisine, transportation, and social customs. She also taught students simple Czech phrases such as “hello” and “thank you.” Her sessions were highly interactive and warmly received.

Sloupova also has great passion for Chinese calligraphy. During the May Day holiday in 2024, Sloupova presented Chinese calligraphy greetings to Shenzhen residents, writing phrases like “Happy Labor Day” and “Happy Shenzhen Festival.” As an accomplished calligrapher, she earned third prize in the Oriental Cup Foreigners’ Chinese Calligraphy Competition in both 2019 and 2020.

Barbora Sloupova holds her Bachelor's degree certificate at Shenzhen University.

Apart from that, since enrolling at Shenzhen University in 2018, Sloupova has volunteered with the Shenzhen Chongshang Charity Foundation to provide educational support to children with leukemia and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare bone disease.

Inspired by her mother, a physiotherapist who worked in a local hospice, Sloupova said she grew up hearing stories that stressed the importance of community care.

“My mom used to provide physiotherapy for those grappling with mobility‑related illnesses,” she recalled. “She shared stories about these patients, emphasizing the importance of community support.”

Sloupova’s direct involvement began after she met Prof. Teresa Huang of the College of International Exchange, who also volunteers with the Chongshang Charity Foundation.

Huang invited Sloupova to join her in teaching special‑needs children, and Sloupova accepted immediately. “So, this is how it started, how I got connected to this volunteer work,” she explained.

Beyond the foundation, Sloupova contributes through other volunteer channels, including the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation and A Heart for China, an international volunteer group led by a Belgian expat.

Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact, she says the work allows her to support an often overlooked segment of the community while applying her language and teaching skills.

Sloupova’s efforts highlight the positive role international students can play in local social services — bringing cross‑cultural perspective, professional skills, and sustained commitment to community care.