With the start of a new semester, the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), organized an orientation session for the 2023 group of international students on the afternoon of September 12, at the D6 Lecture Hall. The event was designed to help the new students adapt quickly to life in China and familiarize themselves with Nanshan District and Shenzhen.

Before the session, staff from SIAT's Education Department and the Taoyuan Service Center for Expats (Expats Center) warmly welcomed the students, providing them with informational packages. These packages included the "Foreigner's Guide to Shenzhen," the "Nanshan Service Manual for Expats," and details about the "Taoyuan Service Center for Expats," all aimed at easing their transition into daily life in the area.

Distributing brochures to international students. (Credit: SIAT)

Explaining the surrounding living amenities. (Credit: SIAT)

During the orientation, Ms. ZHANG Xiaomin from the International Cooperation Office of the R&D Department, Ms. DAI Luer from the Education Department, and Mr. WANG Zhiyang from the Residential College shared insights on various topics, including SIAT's international S&T exchange and collaboration programs, study and student affairs, and a comprehensive guide to campus life.

The session offered valuable information closely related to the students' academic pursuits and future development. The students expressed appreciation for the orientation, noting that it would help them make the most of their time at SIAT as they work toward achieving their research goals.

Currently, SIAT hosts 110 international students from 22 countries, including France, Canada, and Egypt. SIAT has ranked first in the number of international students among all affiliated research institutes of CAS for three consecutive years, and also leads in the number of Ph.D. students among universities and research institutions in Shenzhen. Over the years, SIAT has made significant strides in international student training. Many graduates have been selected as international visiting scientists and postdoctoral fellows in the CAS President's International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) and are now contributing to renowned research institutions worldwide, such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, City of Hope National Medical Center in the USA, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

The Taoyuan Service Center for Expats, located at the Xili International Talent Communication Center just a 10-minute walk from SIAT, offers consulting services, legal and policy support, and cultural exchanges for expatriates. This initiative aims to enhance international public services and foster a new international image for Taoyuan. Looking ahead, SIAT will collaborate with the Taoyuan Service Center for Expats to host more events for foreign personnel, further strengthening cross-cultural engagement and support.

Group photo of participants (Credit: SIAT)

Media Contact:

ZHANG Xiaomin; LU Qun

Email: xm.zhang@siat.ac.cn; qun.lu@siat.ac.cn