At the beginning of the new semester, the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology (SPEIT) welcomed twenty-seven students from its overseas partner institutions. To help international newcomers adapt quickly to their new environment and integrate into campus life, the institute carefully organized an Orientation Day. Through a series of rich and warm activities, the event showcased the academic spirit and vibrant campus culture of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Opening Remarks: A Warm Welcome
At the opening ceremony, French Dean Zied Moumni delivered a welcome speech online, extending a warm greeting to the new cohort of international students on behalf of the institute. He noted that SPEIT has always been committed to building a diverse and open academic platform, encouraging students to communicate widely, explore actively, and embark on their own journey toward excellence during their studies.
Deputy Secretary Lü Jiangying also conveyed New Year’s greetings to the students and shared sincere advice and expectations regarding academic planning and campus life. She encouraged everyone to embrace new challenges with an open mindset and to gain both personal growth and lasting friendships at SJTU.
Information Session: Setting Sail with Guidance
During the following information sessions, Zhu Sinan from the Office of International Cooperation and Development and Yang Yan from the Academic Affairs Office introduced the institute’s training system, teaching arrangements, and practical information about campus life. Their presentations provided comprehensive and detailed guidance to help international students smoothly adapt to their upcoming academic schedule.
Meanwhile, Student Union President Ao Jingke presented the wide range of cultural and sports activities available at the institute and warmly invited the new students to participate, encouraging them to experience the energy and creativity of SJTU students.
Meeting New Friends and Building Connections
Next, SJTU students participating in the Buddy Program met the international newcomers and were paired as “buddies.” Students introduced themselves one by one, sharing their interests and hobbies, quickly building connections through relaxed conversations.
The following ice-breaking activity—a relay ball-passing game—brought the atmosphere to a lively peak. Chinese and international students formed mixed teams, strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding through laughter and teamwork.
Afterward, students shared lunch together, chatting casually while getting to know one another better. In the afternoon, international students embarked on a Campus Tour led by their buddies. Walking around in small groups, they visited iconic landmarks and scenic spots across the campus, experiencing the rich heritage of the century-old university. Although light rain fell during the tour, it did little to dampen their enthusiasm for exploring the campus.
This Orientation Day not only provided international students with practical information but also created a platform for cross-cultural exchange, laying a solid foundation for their academic and campus life in the coming semester. In the future, the institute will continue to organize diverse international exchange activities, further promoting interaction between Chinese and international students and fostering the integration of multicultural experiences on campus.
First Impressions of SPEIT · Student Voices
MANSO DE ZUNIGA
From Mines Paris – PSL
The introductory sessions were clear, informative, and very helpful for understanding campus life. The ice-breaker was fun, the lunch was great, and the campus tour was really enjoyable. Today helped me truly envision my future campus life at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and provided lots of practical information. Overall, I really loved the day—thank you for helping us feel welcomed and supported!
Zhou Yanbing
From SPEIT
Since first encountering the Buddy Program during my freshman year, I have participated every semester without missing a single one. Over time, I have also seen the program evolve—from simple team-building games and park walks involving both Chinese and international students, to today’s buddy-pairing format that helps newcomers become familiar with the campus.
Being paired with a buddy allows for closer connections: international students feel less lost when arriving in a foreign country, while Chinese students gain more opportunities to deepen cross-cultural dialogue. I am still in touch with the French student I met during the very first activity, and I even visited them again while traveling in France.
I am truly grateful for opportunities like the Buddy Program, which build a bridge for social interaction between international and Chinese students. I hope that in the future, SPEIT students from different backgrounds will continue to develop even closer exchanges and enjoy the unique charm of cross-cultural communication.