On September 10th, 2020, the Welcome Ceremony for New International students of SEM was held successfully online. In fall semester 2020, we have welcomed 204 new international students from 49 countries, including 60 undergraduate degree-seeking students, 88 postgraduate degree-seeking students, 9 doctoral degree-seeking students, 23 Non-degree exchange students and 34 students applying for deferral.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. CHEN Song, Deputy Dean of SEM delivered a welcome speech. He elaborated on the over 100-year development history of Tongji University, the school’s core value and mission. Prof. CHEN hopes that all international students, while obtaining new academic knowledge and professional skills for future business development, would gain understandings about Chinese culture, international trends and the world from a more comprehensive and diversified perspective. In addition, Prof. CHEN 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.

Moreover, a video clip of Tongji University was played at the ceremony to help the freshmen gain better understandings on Tongji’s disciplinary settings and colourful campus life. The staff from International Cooperation and Accreditation Office and Undergraduate and Postgraduate Administration Center of SEM gave an introduction on the rules and regulations of international students, including course description and selection requirements. At the same time, they also briefly introduced the history, humanities and scenery of Shanghai, as well as Chinese social media APPs for better communication between students, faculty and staff.

During the closing session, SEM staff welcomed all the new students with the blessings “Meet Shanghai, Power the Future, Welcome to Tongji”, hoping that they could become pioneers of the new era and serve as contributors to the development of the world. An online group photo was taken 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.