On the afternoon of Sep 10, the opening ceremony for the 2021 autumn semester of International College was held in the auditorium on Zhangzhou Campus.  Professor Tao Tao, Dean of International College, He Yuanzan, the Secretary of Party Committee, Huang Guanhua, Deputy Dean of International College, all the teaching faculty and staff, and over 360 new students from all over the country attended the opening ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Chen Xiangliu, the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee.

The opening ceremony kicked off in the majestic and passionate national anthem. Dean Tao, delivered a speech at the beginning. On behalf of all the teachers and students, Dean Tao extended heartfelt congratulations and warm welcome to all the new students, and showed great respect and sincere appreciation to all the students’ parents. Dean Tao briefly reviewed the centennial development and progress of XMU, and pointed out that under the leadership of the Communist Party, XMU achieved rapid development which not only achieved the goal of “the Strength of South”, but also stride towards the world class university. The freshmen of 2021 is first batch of new students in the new century of XMU. In this regard, he put forward some expectations: Firstly, he hopes that the freshmen could appreciate the excellent and glorious tradition of XMU, and inherit and carry forward the four kinds of spirits, patriotism, revolution, self-improvement, and science. Secondly, he hopes that all the students keep the school motto in mind, always keep enterprising, regard learning as a quality of pursuing excellence, and realize their dream of studying abroad as soon as possible. Thirdly, he hopes that all the students will have global vision and could undertake the mission bravely. Seize the opportunity to study abroad, and strive to exercise the ability of cross-culture communication and international exchanges, and grow into international talents who are familiar with international rules, actively participate in international affairs and competition, and are skilled at managing complex international affairs.

Wang Roujie, the head of English Teaching and Research Group, as a teacher representative made a speech. Combing her experience of studying abroad, she mainly shared the significance of studying abroad in the post-epidemic era. She pointed out that studying abroad can help us learn to get along with the multicultural world better, provide us an opportunity to go out to better tell Chinese stories and spread Chinese voice. She hoped that all the students can learn foreign language well, understand different culture traditions, value orientations and thinking modes, use proficient foreign languages to integrate into multiple cultures, and be faithful inheritors and wonderful narrators of Chinese culture.

Zeng Zheming and Huang Zhiwei spoke in turn as senior student and freshmen representative. Zeng Zheming, expressed warm welcome to all the freshmen on behalf of the senior students, and wish all the freshmen gain steadiness and confidence in the busy university life, actively participate in various activities and cherish every opportunity to exercise and improve themselves. On behalf of all the freshmen, Huang Zhiwei wished teachers a Happy Teacher’s Day, and said that XMU is a new station, a new starting point, and new chapter in the life of the freshmen. They will adhere to the motto of XMU “Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection”, strict with themselves, innovate assiduously, and forge ahead hand in hand.

In the end, He Yuanzan, the secretary of the Party committee delivered a speech. Firstly he expressed warm welcome to all the freshmen and wish all the faculty Happy Teacher’s Day. He said that the 2021 freshmen is the first batch of students of new century and the pride of the new era, hope they can study hard and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s speech in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the communist party, and the spirit of congratulatory letter to XMU’s centenary anniversary. He put forward several hopes for freshmen: Firstly, to improve their abilities and develop good behavior habits, including improving the ability of professional learning, independent thinking, comprehensive coordination, interpersonal communication, and also the adaptability to the campus and teaching environment. Secondly, abide the rules and disciplines, and be a qualified college student. Thirdly, establish a healthy concept and enhance safety awareness. Fourthly, we must not forget the original intention and to be an ideal and enterprising youth. He quoted General Secretary Xi Jinping’s words to encourage all the freshmen, “we must carefully review the road we have traveled, and not forget the way we came, and continue to walk the way forward.” And wish all the freshmen success in their study, a good and unforgettable college time.

The ceremony concluded successfully in the solemn school anthem.