Over 300 international student representatives from 12 universities gathered at Southeast University's Jiulonghu Campus on Sept 29 for Jiangsu province's official "First Class" welcome event for the 2026 academic year.

Organized by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, the annual ceremony serves as a gateway for international newcomers to connect with Chinese culture, explore the province's academic offerings, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Jiangsu currently hosts 45,700 international students across its 175 higher education institutions.

International student delegates from Jiangsu University gather at the "First Class" welcome event. [Photo provided to jsjyt.edu.cn]

In his opening address, Professor Qiu Haibo, vice-president of Southeast University, highlighted the university's rich history and global strategy, noting that 18 of its disciplines rank in the top 1 percent of ESI globally. Xu Feng, deputy director-general of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, encouraged students to be "learners, truth-seekers, and bridge-builders" connecting China with the world.

Freshmen shared their journeys and aspirations. Bryce Carey, a Canadian student studying digital media arts at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, praised China's dynamic blend of deep traditions and rapid innovation. Mitiakina Daria, a Russian master's student at Soochow University, expressed her dream of teaching Chinese language and culture back home.

Mitiakina Daria, a Russian master's student at Soochow University. [Photo provided to jsjyt.edu.cn]

International students perform a traditional Chinese dance at the "First Class" welcome event on Sept 29. [Photo provided to jsjyt.edu.cn]

The event featured keynote lectures and alumni reflections. Professor Zhang Tong of Southeast University delivered a lecture on cross-cultural technological vision, while faculty advisors provided practical guidance on academic transitions and campus life. Alumni, including Dickson Tok from Malaysia, now an assistant professor at Nanjing University, shared how their experiences in Jiangsu shaped their professional careers.

First launched in 2024, the "First Class" event has become a landmark initiative in Jiangsu's efforts to advance educational openness and deepen international youth exchanges.