Orient Society

Glasgow University Orient Society (GUOS) is a student-led community dedicated to celebrating and promoting East and Southeast Asian cultures while fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Our mission is to create an inclusive space where students from all backgrounds can engage with and appreciate the richness of these cultures beyond stereotypes and misconceptions.

We are committed to challenging Orientalism—the exoticization and oversimplification of Eastern cultures—by encouraging authentic representations, critical discussions, and diverse narratives. Through our events, we aim to go beyond surface-level cultural appreciation and instead cultivate deeper understanding and engagement.

What We Do

• Cultural Celebrations – Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and other traditional events that offer insights into historical and contemporary practices.
• Academic Talks & Discussions – Engaging conversations on topics such as Orientalism, identity, globalization, and East Asian political and social issues.
• Language Exchange – A welcoming environment for students to practice East Asian languages while exploring cultural nuances.
• Asian Cinema Nights – Film screenings followed by discussions that examine how East and Southeast Asian cultures are represented globally.
• Social Gatherings – KTV nights, game nights, food experiences, and collaborations with other cultural societies to build connections within the community.

Whether you are from an East or Southeast Asian background or simply interested in learning more about these cultures, we welcome you to join us. Together, we aim to celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and foster genuine intercultural dialogue at the University of Glasgow.