A student from Tajikistan speaks at the opening ceremony for 2025 international students at Nantong Vocational University on Nov 11. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nantong Vocational University in Nantong, Jiangsu province, held the opening ceremony for its 2025 international students on Nov 11, welcoming students from 15 countries.

Representatives from partner institutions in South Africa, Laos and Indonesia participated in the ceremony online.

Chu Jinxing, president of NTVU, emphasized the university's dedication to providing high-quality, globally oriented vocational education. He also urged international students to enhance their skills and develop into talents with a competitive edge on the global stage.

Lu Qingquan, a frontline teacher, shared personal experiences from her work and encouraged international students to embrace diverse cultures with an open mind. She also urged them to pursue academic progress with resilience. A Tajikistani student spoke on behalf of the freshmen, expressing their excitement about arriving in China and joining the university.

The ceremony also included a conferral of university badges and awards for outstanding achievements in skills competitions and academic excellence.

In the future, NTVU intends to use education as a bridge and culture as a medium to create a more open and inclusive platform for exchange. This approach will help young people from China and around the world grow together through mutual learning and exchange, fostering long-lasting international friendships that thrive across generations.