As the heat of summer lingered into early autumn, the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University welcomed more than 160 new international students from 32 countries. Crossing mountains and seas, they joined the university's undergraduate and graduate students in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, embarking on a new academic journey. This was the moment when friendships and dreams took flight.
Blend of civilizations, XHang as an assistant
On the day after registration, Professor Zhang Hailan, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Committee of Beihang University, delivered the first class of the semester to international students: "Visiting the museum and exploring 5,000 years of Chinese civilization". With her profound knowledge and engaging storytelling, Zhang Hailan took students on a journey through over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, from its origins to intellectual heritage and from historical evolution to cultural exchange. Through vivid examples and stories presented in detail, she helped international students understand Chinese civilization, experiencing the depth of China's history and the continuation of its national spirit.
For the first time, XHang, an AI assistant independently developed by Beihang University, was used in class for international students, providing real-time multilingual simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish. AI technology accurately broke down language barriers, enabling students from different countries to understand the lecture without difficulties and experience the openness and inclusiveness of China's education in the digital age. Technology empowered cultural communication, leading to a deep resonance with the vision of "civilization without borders".
Cultural practice, dual-way immersion
As an important part of the "first class in the semester", international students visited the Liangzhu Museum under the guidance of their teachers. From the detailed narratives in the classroom and the tangible exhibits in the museum, knowledge and reality intertwined, and texts and cultural relics illuminated one another. The solemnity of bronze ware, the luster of jade cong, and the grandeur of archaeological sites all spoke silently of the long and glorious history of Chinese civilization.
Entering the exhibition hall, students paused and gazed, tracing the threads of history through carefully arranged exhibits. Ideas taught in the classroom stood vividly before them in the form of ancient artifacts, while the abstract flow of civilization in textbooks became a living, tactile cultural experience. Many students took notes, capturing their first impressions of civilization, while others photographed the exhibits with their mobile phones, hoping to hold on to the moment forever.
The dual-way immersion of "classroom teaching + field learning" took education in national conditions beyond classrooms and enriched it in a real-world setting. It not only helped international students understand the dual power of China's material and cultural progress, but also allowed them to further grasp the roots of Chinese civilization through immersive experience.
SALAMZUBAIR IBN, a master's student from Bangladesh, could not hide his excitement after class: "The session was fascinating and amazing!"
Colorful welcome, introduction to China
During the period of orientation, the university ran a Chinese-language training camp. International students actively learned everyday expressions in Chinese and enthusiastically communicated in newly acquired Mandarin with varied tones. In addition to language learning, cultural experience activities such as Chinese knot making and paper cutting enabled students to appreciate the flexibility and charm of Chinese culture from artistic details. Intertwined silk threads conveyed good wishes, and cut-outs showcased oriental poetry, all becoming the initial cultural imprints in their memories of studying in China.
On September 3, international students gathered to watch the live broadcast of the 80th anniversary commemoration of China's Victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Together, they witnessed a solemn, historic moment and reflected on the enduring importance of peace and unity.
For incoming undergraduates, the International Education Center of Hangzhou International Innovation Institute (H3I) of Beihang University organized a class meeting. During the event, outstanding students from the "foundation + bachelor" program shared their tips on campus life, helping newcomers get along with roommates, acquire efficient learning methods, navigate daily life, and adjust to a new culture.
In addition, all the freshmen introduced themselves, getting to know each other in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Amid laughter and joy, students from different countries and cultural backgrounds gradually bonded as one group, embarking on a new journey at the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University.
Alongside orientation, the university carried out anti-fraud and anti-drug campaigns to increase the security awareness of international students and help them better adapt to the learning and living environment in China. At the same time, the university arranged practical services for students, including SIM card and bank account registration, as well as physical examinations. While addressing practical problems in daily life, these services showed warmth and care to newcomers as they get accustomed to life and campus culture in China.
The new semester has begun, and young people from all over the world have met, bonded, and become friends. The Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University will continue to provide students with a broad stage and warm support, witnessing every growth and dream. May young minds flourish and dreams take flight here.
Approved by Dong Zhuoning, Zhang Wei, Xu Ran
Edited by Yuan Xiaohui
