The first batch of international students, 5 sophomores of the Technion joined GTIIT family at the beginning of this spring semester. They will spend more than 4 months studying and living with GTIIT students.

5 international students were warmly welcomed by the GTIIT Admissions Office and student volunteers on Feb. 23 when they arrived at Chaoshan Railway Station.

Hi, China

An orientation was held at GTIIT on the evening of Feb. 25. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eliezer Shalev, and Pro-Vice Chancellor & Director General, Mr. Yigal Cohen encouraged the international students to make more friends and be involved in the GTIIIT Family. Meanwhile, they were suggested to fully experience the unique Chinese culture and achieve good academic performance. Being local, Prof. Lin Danming, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, especially introduced Shantou cuisine to them. He also encouraged them to further explore Shantou area in their spare time.

Heads of Undergraduate Studies, Students Affairs, Campus Operations and Logistics, and IT also shared useful information about curriculum, university facilities, club activities, student support services and practical IT resources to help them adapt to new life at GTIIT.

Five GTIIT students were invited to be volunteers for each individual and offer necessary assistance for them to get settled during their first days in China.  

Have a taste of traditional Beef hot-pot

GTIIT grows into a more diverse and international campus with the arrival of exchange students and also provides them an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of China. "This is our first time to China. For me, it's a really interesting experience. Everyone is nice. When they are talking, they smile," Ravit Abel said.

"I think the Chinese people have a lot of fun watching us struggling with the chopsticks. We really couldn't catch anything at all," Sigal Hirsch sad.

"The most interesting part is the lunch break absolutely. And my classmates would have a nap after lunch. We never do such thing before." 5 Israeli students are experiencing new life with WeChat and Alipay.

"For me, the main plan is to meet more people and know more about the culture," Leo Giloni said. The start of GTIIT exchange program will gradually enhance the understanding and combination of the language, culture, economy and science of both countries.

"This exchange program is very important to GTIIT. We will give the students from the Technion Haifa the same scores and diploma when they study at GTIIT. This strongly proves that this program's criteria are exactly the same as the Technion's," said VC Shalev. 

PVC Lin pointed out that providing students with international learning experience is of great importance since GTIIT aims to be a world widely recognized research institution. The arrival of the first batch of exchange students marks the development of GTIIT with international outlook. 

More international students will gradually study at GTIIT this year. Besides, according to GTIIT's academic plan, students can not only join summer courses or one-semester exchange programs at the Technion, but also gain opportunities to study in many excellent universities which have cooperation with the Technion during their undergraduate study.

Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, GTIIT Admissions Office, Wang Yi