On the morning of September 26, 2025, the International Student Orientation Ceremony of Tongji University was held at the Yierjiu Auditorium on Siping Road Campus. Liu Run, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech. The event was also attended by representatives from various university functional departments, including the International Office, Overseas Students Office, Student Affairs Department, University Youth League Committee, Security Department, and Education Foundation, as well as representatives from different schools and colleges within the university. Officials from the Exit-Entry Administration of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau, Yangpu District Committee of Political and Legal Affairs, Yangpu District Culture and Tourism Bureau, China Merchants Bank, and Bull Group were also present. New international students from over 130 countries gathered together to embark on a new chapter of study and life at Tongji University.

Liu Run extended a warm welcome to the new students in his address. He expressed that the world's vibrancy stems from cultural diversity, just as the charm of a university campus lies in the integration and coexistence of different cultures. He assured that Tongji University would provide ample resources for every international student to freely explore their genuine interests. In the years ahead, he encouraged each student to craft their own unique journey and discover their true path in life.

Chen Yili, Director of the International Student Office, subsequently presented an overview of the "Study at Tongji" program, comprehensively showcasing the university's enduring commitment to advancing international education. The presentation highlighted Tongji's distinctive strengths and characteristics in disciplinary resources, cultural immersion experiences, and social practice opportunities.

Addressing the international students as the faculty representative, Professor Wang Zhendong, Party Committee Secretary of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, urged them to embody a global vision and deepen their roots in China. He inspired them to leverage the invaluable opportunities at Tongji to expand their intellectual and life perspectives continually.

Speaking as the senior student representative, Ali, an Indian doctoral candidate, reflected on his academic and personal journey at Tongji. He encouraged incoming students to immerse themselves in campus life and embrace the opportunities of cross-cultural engagement.

Speaking as the representative of the incoming Class of 2025 international students, Duan Mailing, an exchange student from Germany's Ruhr University Bochum, shared her reflections. She conveyed how captivated she was by Tongji's vibrant international atmosphere and voiced her excitement and hopes for the learning experiences that lie ahead.

The orientation also featured specially arranged multi-dimensional thematic sessions. Zang Hua, a City Ambassador from the Yangpu District Culture and Tourism Bureau, introduced the "Enjoy Yangpu" cultural tourism brand to help students understand local culture. Pan Yang, a member of the "Hu Xiao'an" anti-drug lecturer team from the Shanghai Drug Administration, delivered a campus safety talk, emphasizing the importance of self-protection and law-abiding awareness. Xie Wenjia, a representative from China Merchants Bank, provided insights on financial risk prevention to enhance students' financial security awareness. Chen Jue from the Exit-Entry Administration Brigade of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau offered a detailed interpretation of visa policies for the new students, assisting them in quickly familiarizing themselves with relevant regulations.

The orientation ceremony served not merely as a welcoming event, but as a significant beginning for international students to integrate into Tongji and understand China. Through faculty-student interactions and China's national conditions education, the new international students received warmth and blessings while gaining practical guidance for their academic, daily life, and personal development. Moving forward, guided by the principles of digitalization, greening, and integration, Tongji University will continue to provide high-quality educational resources and growth platforms for international students, helping them leave a remarkable and meaningful chapter of their youth in China.

Source: Tongji University