On the afternoon of September 17, the 2026 international degree students and professional training students gathered at the Putuo Campus auditorium for the welcome ceremony.

WELCOME SPEECH

Wu Jian, Vice President of East China Normal University

Vice President Wu Jian welcomed the international freshmen. He shared growth advice from three aspects: 'stay curious and keep actively learning,' 'embrace differences and learn genuine empathy,' and 'accept uncertainty while steadily growing.' He encouraged students to be friendly ambassadors for cross-cultural communication and to break cognitive boundaries through mutual exchange and learning.

Deputy Director Jin Lijun of the Office of International Education hosted the welcome ceremony

STUDENTS SHARING

Wu Zhixian <Thailand> ANUSIT JAISRITRAKUL

Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature, PhD

"We come here with different mother tongues, different cultural memories, different academic backgrounds, and our own ongoing questions. But it's precisely these differences that make our conversations so special."

Li Yichen <Spain> DANIEL FELIPE BETANCOURT ZAPATA

Asia-Europe Business School, Master in International Business

"My long-term goal is to work in diplomacy and international affairs, helping to strengthen ties between Colombia, Latin America, Europe, and China. when the time comes to leave ECNU, I hope we leave not only knowing more, but understanding more — about the world, about others, and about ourselves."

Tang Xiao <USA> SARAH DAWN KAHL

International Chinese Culture College, Chinese International Education, Bachelor's Degree

I first came into contact with Chinese in the summer when I was thirteen. As I kept learning, I was no longer satisfied with just learning about China through textbooks and the internet. I wanted to integrate Chinese into my daily life, to personally experience it, and feel the most authentic Chinese life and culture.

Zeng Zhiyong <Malaysia>

Master's in Education; President of the International Student Association

"There are no standard answers in college." He used the school motto 'Seek truth and be creative, set an example for others' to speak to the freshmen: really get to know the world, freely explore possibilities, and ultimately become that unique and authentic version of yourself.

Time-Wish Sealing Ceremony

ORIENTATION

Teacher Sun Xiaoqian from the Office of International Education gave students a practical guide to studying and living in China, helping everyone get familiar with and adapt to campus life faster.

LEGAL SAFETY EDUCATION

Officer Huang Mingyuan from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau Cultural Protection Branch at the West Shanghai Universities Police Station brought law and safety education, reminding students to know the law, follow the law, and stay safe while studying abroad.

FRESHMEN ORIENTATION

After the ceremony, three orientation sessions were held to answer questions for different groups of new students.

BACHELOR ORIENTATION

Undergraduate School, Teacher Ge Bei

Office of International Education, Teacher Zhang Jiajun

MASTER ORIENTAION

Master School, Teacher Sun Yunyun

Office of International Education, Teacher Yin Ying

SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT ORIENTATION

Office of International Education, Teacher Zhu Xinnan

Mountains and seas are not far, and we will meet sometimes. I hope the 2026 international freshmen at East China Normal University read more books, gain richer experiences, and see a bigger world!