On September 14, 2025, the Belt and Road School (BRS) of Beijing Normal University warmly welcomed the 2025 cohort of international MBA and MPA students. So far, 45 international students from 23 countries have successfully registered. Carrying dreams across mountains and seas, they are about to begin a new chapter of their lives and embark on a new journey along the Silk Road at the beautiful Southern Campus of BNU in Zhuhai.

Thanks to the coordination of the Zhuhai Campus Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and the strong support of Phoenix College, the registration and orientation proceeded smoothly in an atmosphere of warmth and excitement.

The slogan displayed on the welcome board — “Building a Better World” — captured not only a vision but also the School’s heartfelt expectations for its new international students.

Anton Chernetsov, a new MBA student from Russia, shared his first impression:“It’s so beautiful here! I’m truly excited about the study and life ahead. For me, this is more than an academic step forward—it’s a precious opportunity for personal growth. I’m deeply grateful for the thoughtful assistance provided by the School, which makes me feel confident and ready for the future.”

Bridging cultures through service, 20 second-year international students volunteered as the “Silk Road Service Team”, affectionately known as the “Foreign Lei Fengs”. They became the most heartwarming presence on campus—guiding new arrivals from the campus gates to registration desks, assisting with dormitory arrangements, and helping them settle into daily life.

Their dedication and enthusiasm turned the orientation into an inspiring display of mutual support and friendship. As the volunteers put it:“This isn’t just about providing help—it’s about practicing and passing on the Silk Road spirit of solidarity and shared growth.”

As a key platform for high-level talent training and cultural exchange, the Belt and Road School remains committed to the principle of “education first in building the Belt and Road.” Guided by the needs of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, the School continues to expand its global network and multicultural ecosystem.

The arrival of the new cohort further enriches this environment. Their learning journey will not only deepen their understanding of China’s history, culture, and development experience, but also serve as a microcosm of international friendship and collaborative progress. With more young people who know China, understand China, and love China, the Belt and Road Initiative will continue to grow in vitality and resilience.

As the new students embark on this journey, may they pursue academic excellence, build lifelong friendships, and turn learning into action—contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road, and to global peace and prosperity, from this vibrant land of the Greater Bay Area.