Recently, the Opening Ceremony for 2025 International Students of Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) was grandly held at Nanshan Art Center, Chang’an Campus. The event was attended by Dean of the International College Kong Jie, Vice Dean of the International College Li Ziwei, Prof. Yan Qilong from the School of Astronautics as the faculty representative, as well as faculty representatives from various offices of the International College and all 2025 international students. The ceremony was presided over by Duan Shanshan, counselor for master’s and doctoral students of the Class of 2025.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Liu Lu from the Admissions Office of the International College provided a detailed overview of the enrollment of 2025 international students. This year has witnessed a significant improvement in student quality, with a broader distribution of countries of origin and an increasingly diversified student profile. The report highlighted key aspects such as the distribution of countries of origin, gender ratio, the proportion of students from universities ranked among the Top 1,000 in the QS World University Rankings, as well as the distribution of IELTS and HSK scores. These data fully demonstrate NPU’s growing international influence and its strong appeal in attracting outstanding students from around the world.
During the ceremony, senior student representatives Lu Junyu (CAPICENIO JASHER DAVE LLANILLO) and Lixin (SAGHIR AFEERA) took the stage to share their valuable experiences at NPU. They encouraged the freshmen to courageously try new things and active in exploring opportunities, urging them to “not only discover but also shape themselves”, and embrace infinite possibilities in an inclusive and open environment.
The freshmen representatives also brought vibrant voices. Hao Yu (HASSAN YASSIN HAITHAM MOUNIR ABOATTAB), an undergraduate student from Egypt, and Bailu (ADIYAMAN BERFIN), a master’s student from Turkey, delivered speeches expressing their great anticipation for the upcoming journey of university life. They stated that they would actively integrate into the cultural fabric of Xi’an, a city with a history spanning thousands of years, and fully experience both the traditions and modernity of China. They also pledged to devote themselves to diligent study and unremitting effort, making the most of their youth and living up to their time.
As alumni representatives, Turkmenistani graduate Silang (Taganov Arslan) and Indonesian graduate Yang Yingxiang (MARSEL) delivered video messages online. Drawing upon their own study and life experiences at NPU, they encouraged the Class of 2025 international freshmen to set clear goals from the very beginning of their academic journey, cherish their university years, and persevere with consistent effort. They emphasized the importance of striving for excellence in academic studies, language acquisition, and cultural integration, thereby continuously surpassing themselves.
As the faculty representative, Prof. Yan Qilong drew upon his own overseas experiences to offer three suggestions to the Class of 2025 international freshmen. First, to actively adapt to cultural differences, take the initiative to learn Chinese, and make full use of campus resources. Second, to stay focused on their studies, remain curious, and cultivate diligence in learning and practice. Third, to become bridges of friendship by sharing their own cultures while embracing Chinese culture, thereby promoting international exchange. In closing, Prof. Yan expressed his high expectations for the students to make meaningful contributions in their respective academic fields and to grow into envoys of friendship between China and other countries.
Dean Kong Jie warmly welcomed all new students. Addressing the beginning of their university journey, he enthusiastically offered three key suggestions: First, be open-minded—embrace the diversity around you, learn from classmates from different backgrounds, discover new ideas, and broaden your horizons. Second, be proactive—take initiative in your studies, research, and campus life, actively seek opportunities rather than wait for them to come. Third, be resilient—view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, believing that overcoming difficulties strengthens confidence and cultivates character. Finally, Dean Kong Jie encouraged the students, as the new generation at NPU, to be passionate, pursue their interests with dedication, boldly chase their dreams, push beyond their limits, and strive for extraordinary achievements.
Additionally, the ceremony recognized the Class of 2025 freshmen orientation volunteers. Students who actively participated in organizing and facilitating the welcome activities, such as members of the ISU and the Indonesian Volunteers Association were presented with certificates in recognition of their dedication and efforts.
At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, all leaders, guests, faculty representatives, and the Class of 2025 international freshmen stood together to sing the NPU anthem. Following the anthem, students from around the world formally pinned on the NPU badge. This badge not only symbolizes identity and sense of belonging but also carries profound expectations and responsibility. It marks the beginning of a new journey—on this fertile ground dedicated to cultivating global talents, each new student will write their own chapter of youth with diligence.
We look forward to the Class of 2025 international freshmen carrying forward the values of “Loyalty, Integrity, Courage and Perseverance” as well as the spirit of “Strong Preparation, Diligent Effort, Practical Attitude, and Creative Innovation”. May they cross mountains and seas in pursuit of their ideals, realize their potential at the intersection of China and the world, soar together with their dreams at NPU, strive for excellence, and create a bright future.
（Source: Internatinal College；Translators：Mei Leyun; Yang Runze）
