In order to listen to the voices of the students, clear the communication channels, help the freshmen adapt to life at the Silk Road School as soon as possible, and enhance the cohesion and centripetal force of the university, the Silk Road School gathered teachers and students and held a freshman meet in the student activity room on October 28.

Freshmen representatives from Russia, Cambodia, Tajikistan and other countries and regions attended the symposium. The symposium was chaired by Professor Jiang Xiaoli, Deputy Dean of Silk Road School and Deputy Dean of International College.

At the symposium, the freshmen representatives first expressed gratitude for being admitted to the Silk Road School, and delivered a brief self-introduction, describing their purpose of choosing Silk Road School, their thoughts after enrolling into the new campus and environment, and their expectations for future study and life.

Afterwards, the freshmen representatives had discussions and exchanges on their study and life in Suzhou, as well as pandemic prevention and control policies, campus culture, etc. They also raised some current questions and shared about challenges they face. The teachers at the meeting listened carefully, recorded in detail, and gave patient and meticulous answers based on the actual situation of the School.

Professor Jiang Xiaoli pointed out in her speech that the students have expressed their hope to become ambassadors for promoting cultural exchanges between countries through their studies in Silk Road School, which is also in line with the mission of the School. Since its establishment, the Silk Road School has been committed to exploring and constructing a distinctive international student curriculum system, allowing outstanding teachers to teach Chinese politics, Chinese economy, Chinese law and Chinese culture hoping students can systematically understand the historical context and current development of China. At the same time, the School attaches great importance to creating a good academic atmosphere for students, and puts in effort to provide students with multi-platform and multi-level academic exchange opportunities, including inviting renowned scholars and dignitaries inside and outside the School to give lectures, and hosting or co-organizing relevant academic forums of the school headquarters. , hold the annual "Suzhou·Silk Road Forum", etc.

In addition, the School has been actively creating the second classroom for special research to help students experience the real China in their research. She explained her three expectations for her classmates: First, I hope that the students will cherish the learning opportunities, be down-to-earth, systematically study Chinese theories and thoughts, and have a solid grasp of professional knowledge; Second is to actively participate in various activities organized by colleges, schools and local governments to improve their overall quality, measure the land of China with their feet, and discover the spirit of China with their eyes; Third is to make plans with a vigorous youthful attitude and a positive and enterprising spirit, to build up strength for the future to tell Chinese stories, to spread Chinese voices, to display a credible, lovely and respectable image of China, and to promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Finally, Professor Jiang Xiaoli instructed the students to contact the School as soon as possible in case of any problem in their study and life.

This meeting built a harmonious communication platform for the college and students, and also allowed the students to deeply feel the cordial atmosphere of the Silk Road family, which enhanced the students' sense of identity and belonging to the School.

Translated by: Aneka Rebecca

Edited by :Molly Zhang