On August 30, the School of International Cultural Exchange at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) held its 2026 fall orientation and opening ceremony for new students at the university's Arts Center.

School leaders Dong Jing, Yang Hong, and Cai Rong, along with department heads and faculty members, joined more than 700 students from around the world to mark the occasion.

The ceremony was hosted by Rong Jun, Associate Dean of the School of International Cultural Exchange.

It began with a musical performance by six international students from South Africa, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

A Message from the Dean

Dean Dong Jing welcomed the new students on behalf of the school. She spoke about SUFE's century-long academic heritage and its vibrant campus culture, encouraging students to face the challenges that come with adapting to a new cultural environment. She also highlighted how the university is responding to the digital and AI-driven economy by deepening partnerships with leading companies both in China and abroad—creating more hands-on learning opportunities for students to grow through real-world experience. She closed with her best wishes for the students' studies and daily lives in the new chapter ahead.

Advice from a Teacher

Associate Professor Dong Wenjuan, speaking on behalf of the faculty, encouraged students to be brave, proactive, and hardworking. She described Chinese as the key to understanding Chinese civilization, and urged students to step out of the classroom and explore the city beyond campus.

She closed with a line from an ancient Chinese poem: "The way ahead is long and has no ending; yet high and low I'll search with my will unbending." It was her way of reminding students to stay curious and persistent. She wished them success in their studies and, just as importantly, lasting friendships along the way.

Student Voices

Melnikov Ivan, a 2013 SUFE sociology master's graduate from Russia and founder of Biz Business Consulting in Shanghai, spoke as an alum. He encouraged new students to actively engage with campus life and Chinese society—joining clubs, connecting with local peers, and stepping out of their comfort zones. He reminded them to make the most of their time at SUFE, both inside and outside the classroom.

Wei Peiyi, a Malaysian undergraduate from the Class of 2025, spoke as a current international student. She emphasized the importance of both academic depth and hands-on experience, and encouraged newcomers to embrace cultural differences, get involved in campus activities, and make the most of every opportunity at SUFE's diverse and inclusive community.

Cai Ruiyin, a Chinese graduate student, shared her own experiences navigating postgraduate life. She encouraged students to view language and cultural differences as opportunities rather than obstacles, to stay curious, and to learn from one another across backgrounds.

Andrés Velasco (Hao Ran), a new student from Mexico, urged his fellow freshmen to step out of their comfort zones, seek out opportunities, and stay disciplined. He quoted the Chinese idiom "dripping water wears through stone"—a reminder that persistence pays off over time.

Lu Li, a new Chinese student, spoke about her journey from the workplace back to graduate school. She encouraged her peers to see moments of doubt and difficulty not as setbacks, but as new starting points, and to move forward together in their studies.

Orientation and Support

To help international students settle into life in China, the school invited officers from the Shanghai Exit and Entry Administration Bureau to give a talk on Chinese laws and regulations. The officers covered practical matters and answered questions from the students.

After the legal briefing, Wang Xin from the Student Affairs Office offered guidance on daily life, helping students get familiar with their new environment. Program coordinators and faculty members then introduced the academic curriculum by student category.

The ceremony closed with applause—and with a new academic journey officially underway. For everyone in the room, it was a fresh start, filled with possibility and the promise of shared growth across cultures.

Source: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics