On Sept, 14th, the welcome ceremony for new international students of School of Public Affairs (PAS) was held at USTC Institute of Advanced Technology (IAT). JIANG Jiajie, Vice Director of the USTC International Cooperation Office; SONG Wei, Dean of PAS; ZHOU Chaosheng, Dean Assistant; ZHOU Xingguo, Dean Assistant; teacher representatives of PAS, PhD candidates and all the new international students attended the ceremony.
Dean SONG warmly welcomed 34 new students from 12 different countries. He traced the history of USTC and PAS to make new students be more familiar with the new environment. He explained the additive relationship among knowledge, ability and responsibility, also the importance of innovation. He expected them to build solid specialty foundation, work as a team, and help each other with study and living. To be a student of USTC not only means to study here, but also to have an unforgettable life experience here. He encouraged them to experience Chinese culture by having a profound friendship with local people, and to acquaint Chinese history as well. Dean SONG wished every student to set a high goal, work hard for it, and become a cultural and S&T ambassador between China and other countries.
Director JIANG Jiajie spoke on behalf of USTC International Cooperation Office and greeted all new students. He praised the School of Public Affairs for the effort and contribution in USTC international cooperation. He stressed that International student education is an indispensable component of USTC’s internationalization strategy. USTC pays great attention to international students, and hopes that they can achieve success, becoming the pioneers that build a bridge between China and their respective countries.
PENG Xiaobao, as the teacher representative, encouraged students to pursue academic goals as well as to acquire competence through practice. In order to build their own knowledge system, students need to accumulate experiences and enhance interdisciplinary integration.
New Chinese student representative NI Yuan said that in order to accomplish great achievements, it is necessary to face challenges. He quoted the USTC motto to help international student understand USTC’s philosophy, which is “being both politically sound and professionally competent and integrating theory with practice”. Mona, a graduate student from Yemen, told her story of living in China. She thanked USTC for giving international students the opportunity to study abroad.
LIU Yinghua, director of PAS international affairs office, gave an overview of PAS, including the education system, progress of international cooperation and high-end training, student activities, and school regulations. She hoped that students would develop good study habits and encouraged them to study Chinese for an easier life at USTC. SONG Xiaoyan, director of PAS graduates office introduced the criteria of graduation and the course system in PAS. Dr. ZHANG Xuehe guided new students on the use of E-sources. Teacher TIAN Yu instructed them how to access the USTC homepage and select courses online.
Finally, Dean Assistant ZHOU Xingguo shared his expectations with new students. As the mid-autumn festival and sports games approach, he urged students to participate in these events actively.
The number of PAS enrolled international students has increased every year. PAS has 59 international students from 18 countries in total; ranked 1st among all the schools of USTC. Students are from the US, Pakistan, Tanzania, Nepal, Kazakhstan,Philippines, Surinam, Ghana, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bangladesh, India, etc. International Students have huge influence on academic research and global communication.
