This is the 3938th most frequent Chinese word.
之际
"之际" means "at the time of" or "during."
Here, "之际" is used to indicate the specific moment or occasion when the departure occurs.
在离别之际,我们都感到不舍。
At the time of departure, we all felt reluctance.
"之际" specifies the occasion of welcoming the New Year in this sentence.
新年之际,大家都在准备欢庆活动。
At the arrival of the New Year, everyone is preparing celebration activities.
In this context, "之际" denotes a particular period when the enthusiasm for learning is high, emphasizing a favorable timing.