To deepen international educational cooperation, foster cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate globally minded talent, the School of Foreign Studies (SFS) at Nankai University held the opening ceremony of the “Global Classroom” International Cultural Exchange Program on September 15. The event took place in Room 417 of the SFS and gathered exchange students from partner universities in France, Italy, Japan, and Germany, newly appointed and current foreign faculty members, as well as representatives of Chinese faculty and student volunteers. Mu Xiangwang, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the SFS; Prof. Yan Guodong, Dean of the SFS; and Vice Deans Prof. Ma Hongqi and Prof. Wang Kai attended the ceremony, with Prof. Wang presiding over the event.
Prof. Yan delivered a warm welcome on behalf of the SFS. He emphasized that in recent years the SFS has consistently placed international exchange and cooperation at the core of its academic development and talent cultivation strategies. The scale and quality of faculty and student participation in international programs have continued to grow. He noted that the SFS will further strengthen resources for platforms like the “Global Classroom,” providing high-quality opportunities for academic dialogue and cultural exchange, and supporting participants in broadening their horizons through meaningful intercultural engagement.
Mu Xiangwang extended her heartfelt greetings to international students and faculty. Drawing on Nankai University’s motto “Dedication to the Public Interest, Acquisition of All-Round Capability, Aspiration for Progress with Each Passing Day”, she highlighted the SFS’s long-standing commitment to global education. With a warm and symbolic toast, the ceremony conveyed the SFS’s sincere welcome and appreciation to its international partners.
During the ice-breaking session, exchange students and newly appointed foreign faculty introduced themselves in Chinese. Sharing their expectations for studying in China or recounting their personal connections to Chinese culture, they demonstrated not only solid language proficiency but also genuine enthusiasm for cross-cultural communication.
In the subsequent free-talking session, current foreign faculty and representatives from various departments welcomed the newcomers to the SFS community. They engaged in in-depth discussions on cultural differences, research interests, and life planning in Tianjin. The open dialogue and exchange of ideas enriched the atmosphere, adding meaningful humanistic depth to the ceremony.
On September 16, exchange students from France, Italy, Japan, and other countries quickly transitioned into “study mode,” officially starting their academic journey at the SFS. Their first stop was a Chinese language class, where they demonstrated strong focus and engagement. Beyond the core Chinese language curriculum, students selected from a variety of elective courses offered by the SFS, tailored to their interests and academic plans. Faculty members also provided personalized guidance, explaining course expectations and channels for learning resources to help students adapt smoothly to campus life and build a solid foundation for their studies ahead.
The launch of the “Global Classroom” International Cultural Exchange Program marks a new chapter in the internationalization efforts of the SFS at Nankai University. Moving forward, the School will continue to promote international educational cooperation with greater openness and concrete action, positioning the “Global Classroom” as a bridge for mutual understanding and a window for cultural exchange between Chinese and international students and faculty. Together, the SFS and its global partners will write a vibrant new chapter in international education.
