Xiamen, China – September 5, 2025 – The Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics (WISE) and the School of Economics at Xiamen University hosted an orientation session for the incoming 2025 cohort of the International Graduate Program. The event took place in the afternoon in Classroom N501 of the Economics Building.
Presided over by Program Director Associate Professor Kai Li, the orientation was attended by faculty members including Associate Professor Lei Meng, Assistant Professors Xirui Zhang and Jialiang Zhu, as well as program staff Tingyu Xie and Min Zeng.
Professor Li opened the session by introducing the program's history and structure. Initially established as an international doctoral program in 2002, it expanded to include master's courses in 2007 and was significantly enhanced in 2008. The program now thrives as the “Economics of Globalization and the Chinese Economy (EGCE)”, dedicated to exploring the critical interplay between global economic forces and China's unique role as a major driver within it.
This year's cohort comprises 21 new international students from countries including Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Yemen. Seventeen are pursuing master's degrees and four are doctoral candidates, with academic interests spanning Finance, Quantitative Economics, Statistics, and Western Economics.
The faculty introduction emphasized an open-door policy, encouraging students to actively seek academic guidance and research collaboration opportunities. The importance of academic integrity and the extensive support services available at the university were also highlighted.
Associate Professor Lei Meng and Assistant Professor Jialiang Zhu extended a warm welcome to the new students, offering practical advice for their academic and personal journey. They encouraged students to fully utilize university resources such as libraries and workshops, participate in academic seminars, incorporate their unique cultural perspectives into research, and allow themselves time to adapt to the new environment.
Nina, a senior student from Russia, shared her experiences and tips on navigating both academic life and daily logistics in China. She advised new students to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, leverage digital platforms like Alipay and Taobao for convenience, and explore the city of Xiamen.
A lively Q&A session addressed a range of practical concerns from the new students, including internship opportunities, visa procedures, and course selection. Faculty and staff provided detailed answers and additional information on campus housing and daily life.
The 1.5-hour orientation concluded successfully. The program team reaffirmed their commitment to supporting students throughout their academic and personal journey at Xiamen University, encouraging everyone to make the most of their experience. The event served as an excellent introduction for new students to the program, faculty, and their peers, marking a positive start to their studies.