such a relaxing atmosphere.

Edson Silva, from the Republic Democratic the São Tomé and Príncipe, studying Portuguese in FLL, shared his experience in EAB in the past summer holiday. He said: "It was the month of the World Cup then. I went to the TV room every night to watch matches. I remembered it was Portugal vs. England that night. There were five Chinese friends also in the TV room watching the game that day....they were so friendly and we had a warm discussion. Although I supported Portugal while they all supported England, we did enjoy that happy football night!"

EAB also provides more chances for further communication among foreign students themselves. It is like a network, in this building, all the foreign students live together and it is convenient for them to keep in contact. Patricio Joaquin, from the Republic of Mozambique studying Portuguese law in FLL, said: "I have a wide communication network with students from Portuguese-speaking countries within the building. Here, right in this building, I meet friends from Portugal, Angola, Brazil, Timor, etc. We frequently sit around in a TV room and have long-time talks, drinking and having fun. And I am so happy I can live with friends from my home country here."

For mainland Chinese and foreign students, EAB is much more than just a dormitory. It's actually a place where those homesick hearts return, cross-culture minds exchange.

These days, many local Macau students are continually moving into EAB as well. A survey done by this group of reporters reveals that most of them moved in for the experience of living with more friends. Joanna Ho, a local Macau student majoring in Portuguese said: "Usually I go back home after school, I am actually quite bored. If I want to have fun with my friends, it would be normally during weekends rather than weekdays. And now living in the EAB, I can talk with my classmates anytime I want. Sometimes when we have group projects, it's very convenient for us to get together than ever before. And I have already met many friends from other places of China...By the way, my mandarin is improving now as well."