Xi'an Jiaoda sees number of overseas student increase

Xi'an Jiaotong University (Xi'an Jiaoda) in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, has seen an increase in its number of overseas students, which is due to the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, according to Xi Guang, vice-president of the university.

Xi said the university recruited 580 overseas students for this school term, a 16 percent increase compared with last year, 325 of who are studying master's or doctoral degrees.

“Thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, we received more students from the countries along the Silk Road, which was opened more than 2,000 years ago to link China with Central Asia and Europe, with its starting point in Xi'an,” Xi said.

Xi said that the ancient city of Xi'an is full of vigor and vitality due to the promotion of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the university is training increasing numbers of excellent overseas students.

Svitlana Hahina, an overseas student from Ukraine who is studying management, said at the university's opening ceremony for overseas students on Thursday that Xi'an Jiaotong University is one of the best universities in China.

“We are here to study — that is the main focus of an academic program. But I hope we will have time to develop ourselves, explore Xi'an and its surroundings, and learn more about Chinese culture. Our international program gives us an opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world. That will teach us how to communicate with different people and learn new information about other countries as well,” Hahina said.

Xi'an Jiaoda began accepting overseas students in 1959 and established its School for International Education in 2006. It has received overseas students from 86 countries.