Eighty undergraduate exchange students from 24 countries or regions have joined Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM) this semester.

On February 23, orientation for the 2026 Spring Semester undergraduate exchange students was held in Tsinghua's Jianhua Building. Accompanied by faculty members and Buddies — undergraduate volunteers who help exchange students navigate campus life — the students embarked on the next step of their academic journey. The event included course selection guidance, introductions to student organizations and ice-breaking activities, laying a solid foundation for the exchange students to integrate into campus life.

He Ping, associate dean of the school, and Liu Qing, deputy Party secretary, welcomed the exchange students before introducing the school's international cooperation resources and academic strengths. They encouraged the students to actively explore and try new things at Tsinghua SEM, broaden their horizons in a cross-cultural environment and enhance their personal growth.

The Academic Affairs Office provided detailed explanations of the course selection process, covering system operation steps, timetable, the "first-come, first-served" principle and credit-earning recommendations, offering guidance for students to complete course selection smoothly. With the assistance of Buddies, students proceeded to select their courses. Some refreshed pages nervously, while others beamed with joy upon successfully securing their desired classes. Course selection was not just the start of their new semester but also the first "little challenge" of their exchange life.

Exchange students interact with Buddies at the exchange student orientation event.

Relevant departments of the Tsinghua SEM Student Union shared information about their work and activities. The international department explained its functions and support services for international students, the sports department presented the "Sports in SEM" series of activities and the excellence of various departmental teams, and the arts department introduced signature events such as the student festival, freshman ball and singing competition, showcasing the vitality and diverse talents of Tsinghua SEM students. The combination of a rigorous academic atmosphere with a rich array of campus activities creates a unique learning and growth environment, and is characteristic of the school.

Participants pose for a group photo at the exchange student orientation event.

The ice-breaking session featured a "pass the parcel" game. As music played, a prop was passed among the students. When the music stopped, the student holding the prop stood up and introduced themselves. Exchange students and Buddies took turns sharing their names, majors and interests. In a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, initial shyness gradually faded, and students from different countries and cultural backgrounds grew closer through interaction, building friendships.

Participants pose for a group photo at the exchange student orientation event.

The orientation event not only helped exchange students complete course selection, but also provided a platform for communication and integration into the Tsinghua SEM community. Moving forward, the school will continue to enhance its support system for international students, fostering an open, diverse and inclusive learning environment to help them gain knowledge, build friendships and achieve growth at Tsinghua.

Editor: Ren Zhongxi