The International School held an opening ceremony and a series of orientation activities at the Songjiang Campus to welcome its 2026 intake. Designed to help new students settle into campus life, set academic goals, and develop a global outlook and intercultural skills, the program marked the beginning of their studies at East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL).
The opening ceremony took place on September 16. Professor Wu Qiaofang, Director of the International Exchange Office and Dean of the International School, attended and delivered a welcome address. Other members of the School’s leadership, faculty and staff representatives, and all newly enrolled Chinese and international students alsoattended.
Speaking on behalf of theSchool, Dean Wu extended a warm welcome to all incoming students joining ECUPL from around the world. She highlighted that the university boasts over 40 years of valuable experience in delivering international educational programs. Building on the University’s strengths in legal scholarship, the international school offers a suite of distinctive courses spanning Chinese law and international trade law, alongside opportunities for academic dialogue, targeted language practice and guided cultural immersion.
She encouraged students to approach their studies and campus life with deliberate planning: set clear academic goals, read widely across relevant fields, and think critically.As they build up their legal expertise, she urged the cohort to engage deeply with local Chinese society and culture, and exchange insights with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Dean WU reassured students that the International School will provide comprehensive support as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of university life. She closed with warm wishes for all students to enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling academic journey at ECUPL,encouraging them to develop the sound professional competence and global outlook needed to excel in their future international careers.
Following the ceremony,the School held orientation sessions from September 16 to 18, covering academic guidance, legal awareness and safety, mental health, and other topics.
Using a massive openonline course (MOOC) platform, Dean Wu delivered the first lecture of the new semester, titled “Understanding Contemporary China: Advancing Law-Based Governance in All Respects.” She explained the meaning of Chinese modernization, traced three key historical stages and achievements in China’s development of the rule of law, and outlined the theoretical framework of the socialist rule of law system with Chinese characteristics. The lecture helped students understand China’s national conditions and policies, the rationale behind its development, and the role of the rule of law in supporting Chinese modernization.
Academic affairs staff then explained the curricula and requirements for the different programs,answered students’ questions, and clarified their study pathways. Zhang Shuang from the University Library introduced its collections, digital databases, and services, encouraging students to make full use of campus learning resources.Safety and mental health education formed another key part of the program. Officers from the Exit-Entry Administration of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau delivered a session on visas and safety. Drawing on case studies, they explained the laws and regulations governing entry into and exit from China, reminded international students to comply with immigration and employment requirements, and offered practical advice on how to protect themselves against fraud. Jin Beibei from the Psychological Counseling Center led a session on mental health, sharing guidance on emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships to help students adapt to university life.
To introduce students to Shanghai’s history and culture, the School also organized a one-day city tour. At Shanghai Museum East, students explored the bronze and ceramics galleries,gaining insights into the richness of traditional Chinese culture. A walk through the City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden area offered a closer look at the architecture of the Jiangnan region and the daily life of Shanghai’s historic neighborhoods. Throughout the tour, Chinese and international students discovered the city together, deepening their understanding of one another and forging friendships across cultures.
The International School’s 2026 intake comprises approximately 264 students, including more than 200 international students from 51 countries across Asia, Europe, North and SouthAmerica, and Oceania. Enrollment in our degree programs continues to grow steadily, with further improvements in the academic profile and overall quality of incoming students.
The International School regards the opening ceremony and orientation program as an essential, first step in supporting the holistic development of international students across their studies at ECUPL. Through academic guidance, legal education, mental health support and cultural activities, it helps new students successfully transition to their new roles and become an integral part of the diverse campus community. Moving forward, the School will further refine its international education approach, elevate teaching quality and support systems for student development,and cultivate graduates who are well-versed in global legal norms and capable of bridging China with the broader international community.
