SJTU Welcomes New 2025 International Foundation Cohort

In September, Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Qibao Campus welcomed the 2025 cohort of international foundation students. Hailing from 24 countries, these students gathered here with dreams in their hearts, embarking on their new study-abroad journey at SJTU through several days of orientation activities designed to help them familiarize themselves with the campus and connect with teachers and peers.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University's opening ceremony for the 2025 foundation program was attended by a distinguished gathering of faculty, new students, and their families. Among the attendees were key staff members including: Zhang Yang, Director of Admissions at the International Student Development Center; Zhang Yu, Head of International Student Admissions at Pujiang International College; Zhai Ying, Director of the International Education Teaching Center and Program Lead of the Foundation Program at the School of Continuing Education; Shan Feng, Director of the International Education Development Center; and Zhou Zhijun, Director of the International Education Operation Center. Together with the entire cohort of pre-university freshmen and their parents, they officially marked the commencement of the new academic journey.

Remarks for the Start of a New Semester

At the opening ceremony, Zhang Yang, Director of Admissions at the International Student Development Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, delivered a speech. She reflected on the university’s long-standing educational legacy and emphasized that internationalization is a key strategy in building a world-class institution. She highlighted the International Foundation Program as a critical component of China’s international education initiatives, noting that over the past eight years, it has grown from its initial cohort of just over 30 students into a thriving, well-established program attracting outstanding talents. Zhang Yang specifically mentioned that during the 2025 enrollment cycle, many foundation students achieved remarkable success, passing undergraduate admission assessments and securing places in their desired majors. She also noted that previous cohorts have continued to excel in their undergraduate studies. Encouraging the new students, she urged them to cherish the opportunity to study at SJTU, build a solid academic foundation, broaden their horizons, and fully prepare for their future academic and personal journeys in China.

Zhang Yu, Head of International Student Admissions at Pujiang International College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, shared three key words with the new students: "Explore, Persist, Connect." She encouraged them to boldly explore academic boundaries, grow with resilience through challenges, and forge genuine connections with teachers and peers. She emphasized that the foundation program is not merely a phase of academic preparation, but a transformative journey to master their future. Zhang expressed her hope that students would shine in their unique ways on SJTU’s international platform and become global talents courageous enough to pursue their dreams through their experience at the university.

Zhai Ying, Program Director of the International Foundation Program and Director of the International Education Teaching Center at the School of Continuing Education of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, provided a comprehensive overview of the program's development history and educational outcomes. She reflected fondly on the original vision and mission behind the program's establishment, sharing outstanding achievements of previous student cohorts. Zhai emphasized that the program team remains committed to the student-centered philosophy, pledging to continue providing high-quality educational resources and support services to help every student fulfill their dream of studying in China.

To Our Great Teachers

The ceremony coincided with China's Teacher's Day, filling the venue with a profound sense of teacher-student camaraderie. Lin Xin, representing the faculty, expressed her commitment to fully supporting students' growth as both a mentor and a friend. In a particularly touching moment, an outstanding foundation program alumnus presented Teacher Lin Xin with the program's exclusive mascots, "Jiao Xiao Yu" and "Jiao Xiao Ke," on behalf of the entire student body. This heartfelt gesture symbolized the students' deep gratitude for their teachers' guidance and represented a cherished continuation of the bond between mentors and learners, bringing the event to an emotional peak.

Awards Ceremony

The opening ceremony featured the presentation of the Freshman Scholarship for the International Foundation Program. Through a rigorous selection process involving document review, written examinations, and interviews, ten outstanding students were awarded the Shanghai Jiao Tong University 2025 International Foundation Program Freshman Scholarship. Vincent Chandra and Joan Marc Pico Ruiz received the First Prize. Vincent Colin Liu, Jordan Chng Jun Jie, Pauline Elysia Goenawan, and Pham Ngoc Tuong An were awarded the Second Prize. The Third Prize recipients were Ethan Kie, Theng Wan Yee, Kevin Saidbun, and Gan Tong En.

A Message of Encouragement from Seniors

Two foundation program alumni, Lin Junwei (Jun Wei Lim) from the Antai College of Economics and Management and Shen Guanquan (Dave Matthew) from the Department of Chemistry, shared how the solid academic foundation built during the foundation year continues to give them an edge in their specialized studies. They encouraged the new students to cherish their time and pursue their dreams with courage. Speaking as representatives of the incoming class, Vincent Chandra from Indonesia and Pham Ngoc Tuong An from Vietnam expressed their aspirations for the upcoming academic journey, demonstrating the vibrant spirit and positive outlook of the new pre-university cohort.

Cross-Cultural Exchange

The 2025 cohort of new students presented a spectacular cultural performance, bringing the event to a climax. A Mongolian student performed a passionate and vibrant traditional dance, with powerful movements that embodied the heroic spirit of the steppe. A deeply moving rendition of the Chinese song "Contentment" (Zhī Zú) captivated the audience with its sincere vocals. A lively and infectious Indonesian traditional dance followed, with the dancers using dynamic movements to showcase the charm and energy of their tropical island nation. This dazzling display of diverse cultures not only added a brilliant dimension to the ceremony but also vividly embodied the foundation program's core philosophy of "Diversity, Integration, Innovation, and Development," fostering meaningful exchange and understanding among different cultures.

Meet the Class of 2025

New students from around the world eagerly shared their initial surprises and expectations upon arriving in China. Cheng Wenyue from Malaysia, inspired by her elder sister's successful experience, also chose SJTU's foundation program. Her mother expressed full confidence in the university, stating she had "no worries at all." Feng Liujin from Thailand has traveled to many Chinese cities but holds a special fondness for Shanghai's modern vibe and diverse culinary scene. He revealed that the influence of the Thai-Chinese community had sparked his deep interest in Chinese culture. Kiara from Jamaica got lost on her first day in Shanghai but was deeply touched by the warmth and willingness of strangers to help. She looks forward to strengthening her foundation in mathematics and science during the program to prepare for a future in Civil Engineering. Davit from Armenia was amazed by China's population size, while Pham Ngoc Tuong An from Vietnam praised the exceptional friendliness of Shanghai's residents. Vincent from Indonesia chose China because of its booming technology sector, dynamic economy, and the growing global influence of Mandarin. He plans to pursue Computer Science for his undergraduate degree. Joaquin from Spain is an enthusiast of Chinese culture, with a particular passion for martial arts; he has even competed in an international wushu competition in Shanghai. He is impressed by the city's safety and business opportunities, and aims to improve his Chinese language skills and academic foundation during the preparatory year, hoping to eventually build a career in Sino-European business.

 

Though hailing from different continents, these new students all share a profound excitement for the foundation year ahead. They hope to not only advance academically on this Eastern land but also to gather the unforgettable moments that will define their personal growth.

Guidance and Support 

The Foundation Program provides comprehensive support for its new students. From airport pickup and registration to placement tests and course selection guidance, every step is meticulously organized. With teachers patiently answering questions and alumni volunteers offering warm assistance, newcomers are made to feel welcome. Through faculty meet-and-greet sessions and orientation activities, students quickly adapt to their new environment, laying a solid groundwork for their upcoming academic life. The program also invited officers from the foreign affairs police department and banking professionals to deliver bilingual safety briefings in Chinese and English. Like the spring rain that nurtures all things silently, the constant dedication and unwavering support of the faculty ensure that the Class of 2025 international foundation students will embark on a smooth and successful academic journey in China, paving the way for remarkable achievements.

The Class of 2025 international foundation students, steadfast in their choice to study in China, have now opened a new chapter in their lives at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. May every student cherish this time, pursue their dreams with courage, and flourish in the fertile ground of the SJTU International Foundation Program, each shining in their unique way!

 

Source: Study at SJTU