On 26 September 2025, the International Student Opening Ceremony of Jinzhong Institute of Information and Technology was held with great warmth in the Expression Hall of Xinghua Residential College on campus. International students from six different countries, new entrants of the Bachelor to Master Pathway Programme, together with institute leaders and school representatives, gathered to witness this landmark occasion – the arrival of the institute very first cohort of international students, officially opening a new chapter in its internationalised education.

The ceremony began in a solemn yet lively atmosphere. “A warm welcome to all our international student friends who have crossed mountains and seas, and our sincere thanks to the parents who have travelled from afar, as well as the school and student representatives present today!” At the very outset, Vice Dean Yihong Liu of the School of International Exchange broke the ice with enthusiastic bilingual greetings in Chinese and English, before introducing the attending college leaders: Party Secretary Zhang Cunwei, Executive Vice President Hu Jilian, Vice President Su Lin, and heads of the Office of International Affairs and Cooperation, the Student Affairs Office, and the Academic Affairs Office. Vice Dean Liu specifically emphasised that “this is the first group of overseas students ever welcomed by Jinzhong Institute of Information and Technology.” Her words conveyed genuine appreciation and high expectations for the international students, quickly lifting the atmosphere and setting a clear tone for the subsequent proceedings.

Ton Tran Thao Nghi, an international student representative from Vietnam, movingly shared her first impressions of the campus. She expressed her desire not only to study Chinese and her chosen major well, but also to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange between her country and China, helping more people learn about both China and Jinzhong Institute of Information and Technology. Her sincere remarks resonated deeply with all the international students present.

Zhu Huiyan, a new representative of the Bachelor to Master Pathway Programme, expressed her gratitude to the School of International Exchange for providing such an excellent learning platform, and felt truly honoured to join this vibrant community. Over the coming years, she pledged to devote herself to improving her English proficiency, acquiring solid professional knowledge, and achieving personal growth and breakthroughs under the institute’s guidance.

School representative Guo Yuxuan, drawing on her own experience of participating in the World Expo, encouraged students to cherish the opportunity for cross-border learning. She noted that Jinzhong Institute of Information and Technology boasts an international teaching team and a well-developed training system, and hoped that everyone would open their hearts, explore proactively, absorb knowledge, and appreciate the richness of different cultures.

On behalf of all faculty and students, Executive Vice President Hu Jilian extended sincere congratulations and a warm welcome to the 2025 international students. He gave the new students a detailed account of the institute development history and educational characteristics. The institute is the only university in North China to implement a comprehensive residential-college system for all its students, and its brand influence consistently ranks among the top private universities in Shanxi Province. At present, the college has established cooperative relationships with universities in multiple countries, and seven of its programmes have received internationally recognised accreditation, offering students a diversified development platform. “Positioned as an ‘Information Industry Business School,’ the college adheres to a ‘four-in-one, dual-academy’ education model and is committed to cultivating management talents with high emotional intelligence and a solid background in information technology,” he said. He then offered his earnest hopes for the new students: “I encourage everyone to maintain passion for learning and make the most of their time on campus; to strictly observe laws, regulations, and college rules, and to respect the cultural customs of different countries; and to make full use of the college’s resources and platforms to enhance their overall capabilities, so that in the future they may grow into outstanding professionals who combine international vision with a deep commitment to their local communities.”

During the ceremony, a surprise video segment featured the families of international students from Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Tajikistan. The familiar faces and simple, caring words spoken in their native tongues deeply touched the students present. This thoughtfully prepared “surprise gift” made the warmth of “home” transcend geographical boundaries and become intimately connected with the college at that very moment, gently easing the students’ feelings of homesickness.

In the presence of all faculty and students, Party Secretary Zhang Cunwei and Vice President Su Lin jointly officiated the opening cake ceremony. Secretary Zhang lit candles symbolising light and hope, and Vice President Su made the first cut of the cake, marking a new beginning for the School of International Exchange. This was not merely a delicious cake, but a fresh start full of infinite possibilities. Following this, the school presented each new student with a substantial “welcome package,” conveying the enthusiastic reception and heartfelt care of the School of International Exchange faculty and students.

As applause filled the hall, the 2025 International Student Opening Ceremony of Jinzhong Institute of Information and Technology drew to a successful close. This ceremony not only signified a solid step forward in the college’s internationalisation efforts, but also built a bridge for exchange and mutual understanding between Chinese and international students. In the years ahead, the Institute will continue to enhance its international education services, provide better teaching and living support for international students, help more students realise their dreams and grow here, and contribute to the promotion of educational and cultural exchanges between China and the world.