As a part of their extracurricular activities, and to learn more about traditional Chinese culture, the international students at Sias International University took part in the Dongzhi Festival on December 21 (Winter Solstice). Students were taught about the origins, customs, and folklore of the festival by Yang Yan, a teacher of Chinese Customs & Folklore. They were also taught how to make and eat dumplings, as part of Chinese tradition, originally introduced during the Han Dynasty by physician and writer, Zhang Zhongjing.

The international students also had a dumpling-making contest and ate dumplings that they made. They also learned of the familial aspect of the Dongzhi Festival.

Every year, Prof. Fan Xiaohua, from the School of Literature, has invited students to her home to experience traditional Chinese culture by celebrating the Dongzhi Festival. She has always been particularly hospitable to international students.

Sias International University has continued to adhere to its East-meets-West educational philosophy, with an emphasis on the integration of knowledge and practice. With an increasing number of agreements signed with universities from around the world, based on education and research, Sias has attracted many students from around the world, particularly from Asia. As of December 2018, Sias has nearly 1,200 international students.

Sias has also implemented a special method of management for international students, with academic tutors forming the main part, and peer (Chinese student) tutors supplementing the education with cultural activities to foster a multi-cultural and cross-cultural environment.