On February 26th, 2021, the Welcome Ceremony for New International students of SEM was held successfully online. In Spring semester 2021, we have welcomed 56 new international students from 14 countries, including 8 postgraduate degree-seeking students, 1 doctoral degree-seeking student and 47 Non-degree exchange students.

At the opening ceremony, Ms. Grace SHOU, Director of International Cooperation and Accreditation Office delivered a welcome speech. She briefly introduced the composition of newly enrolled international students and pointed out that due to the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, many international students currently have to study online. However, the school is making every effort to get students well prepared for the study. At the same time, it is important for the students to adjust themselves to distance-​learning format, keep positive and healthy to embrace the semester ahead. She also invited students to come to Tongji in person and continue their study in the very near future. Then, the staff from Undergraduate and Postgraduate Administration Center of SEM gave an introduction on the rules and regulations of international students, including course description and selection requirements. The staff from Student General Branch Office briefly introduced the history, humanities and scenery of Shanghai, and shared photos and videos of some wonderful moments of international students studying at SEM in the past.

In order to help international students get better understandings on China and Tongji-SEM, the opening ceremony added a section on cultural interaction. By shooting, sharing videos of “My Favorite Chinese Elements” and participating in the voting of 3 best videos together with SEM faculty, the students stimulated their interests in traditional Chinese culture; and through the videos on SEM and interactive games, students gained a better understanding of the development history, campus scenery and community activities of SEM. Moreover, during the opening ceremony, a song sung by Tongji Faculty and students named “Let the World Be Filled with Love” was also shared to the international students to pass them blessings and best wishes in this challenging time. Lastly, an online group photo was taken to keep the precious memories in this special time.

It is worth mentioning that, in recent years, there are more and more international students choosing to study and do exchange in Tongji SEM, the number of students has ranked first in Tongji University, which is a living proof of SEM’s continuous improvement on talent cultivation and international influence. SEM will continue to explore collaboration with top universities around the world, to promote international exchange among Chinese and foreign students and to develop management talents with international vision.