Shanghai Jiao Tong University Global College (SJTUGC, abbreviated as GC hereafter) welcomed 168 international students from 33 countries on September 11, marking the beginning of their university journey at SJTU. The new students come from countries including the United States, France, the Netherlands, Australia and Singapore.
On September 12, GC held an orientation session for the 2026 international student cohort under the theme “The World as a Starting Point, the Future as a Direction.” The session introduced key academic and campus resources and provided practical guidance to help new students become familiar with the university and adapt to campus life.
David Hung, Associate Dean for Global Engagement, and Xiaoling Wu, Deputy Party Secretary of GC, attended the session, together with representatives from the SJTU Library and the Office of Campus Security, as well as faculty and staff members from GC’s Student Affairs Office, Laboratory and Equipment Office, and Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office. Representatives of the GC International Students Association (GC ISA) and the students’ class advisors also attended the event. The orientation covered a range of topics, including library resources, campus safety, laboratory safety, academic affairs, student services, student organizations and career development, providing new students with an overview of the resources and support available to them at GC and SJTU.
In his welcome remarks, David Hung encouraged the students to explore the unfamiliar and step beyond their comfort zones during their time at SJTU. He also encouraged them to build cross-cultural connections, engage in meaningful exchange and collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds, and develop the capacity for lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world. He expressed his hope that the students would begin their university journey with courage and an open mind while keeping a long-term perspective on their future development.
Qinling Huang from the SJTU Library introduces library resources and services to the new students.
Campus security officer Guanheng Xiao provides public safety education for the new students.
Akili Tao from the Lab and Facility Office provides laboratory safety training for the new students.
Jinghang Bai from the Undergraduate Education Office introduces academic administration and related services to the new students.
Student affairs officer Jiaqi Bai introduces international student services to the new students.
The GC International Students Association members share experiences of campus life.
Class meeting for the new students
Representatives from different offices then introduced the services and resources available to international students. The GC International Students Association shared practical experiences of campus life, while class advisors held class meetings to answer students’ questions and help them become familiar with their new academic and social environment.
At the conclusion of the orientation, Xiaoling Wu shared her wishes for the new students and presented them with GC T-shirts. She encouraged students to look beyond the campus and discover the diversity and richness of China, explore academic questions across disciplinary boundaries, and learn from peers with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives. She also expressed her hope that the students would become an active part of the GC community and grow into young people who can take pride in their own development.
International freshmen tour the campus
Following the orientation, GC will continue to integrate resources in student services, academic support, cultural exchange and career development to provide an open and inclusive environment for international students. The College will also continue to facilitate cross-cultural interaction and peer support, helping new students adapt to campus life and navigate their university journey at SJTU.
