This summer, Chen Luyu, a Media and English Studies major at XJTLU, spent her final-year internship at the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou, during the China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair. She provided trilingual interpretation services in Chinese, English, and Cantonese for Sri Lankan companies and assisted in promoting local products such as Ceylon tea. Chen is a trainee in the 2024 International Competence Program, where she earned this opportunity thanks to her outstanding academic performance and exceptional practical skills.

“I wasn’t just interpreting—I was selling products and interacting directly with customers. It was a refreshing and eye-opening experience,” Chen shared. “Through this internship, I realized the importance of being a cultural bridge and significantly enhanced my intercultural communication skills.”

On October 22, XJTLU held the Kick-Off Ceremony for the 2025 International Competence Training Program.

“We should cultivate a generation of young people who love China, cherish their homeland, and are ready to engage with the world,” said Professor Chao Qiuling, Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice President of XJTLU, during her speech outlining the program’s goals.

Since 2022, XJTLU has been recognized by the Center for China and Foreign Humanities Exchange under the Ministry of Education as part of the “Innovative Practice Program for High-Level International Talent Development.” Building on this foundation, XJTLU’s Student Club Support Centre initiated the International Competence Program, offering students lectures, courses, and practical training that strengthen knowledge, global awareness, and civic responsibility.

Professor Chao encouraged students to make full use of these opportunities: “This program not only opens pathways for internships in international organizations but also helps students develop the ability to see and solve problems through a global lens.”

Prof. Chao also called on young people to take on the mission of contributing to China’s modernization and global dialogue: “You are equipped with deep professional knowledge, intercultural competence, and excellent English proficiency. We hope you will represent China on the international stage—sharing our voice, contributing to global peace and development, and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.”

Trainees of the 2024 International Competence Program shared their achievements and insights:

Zheng Boming, a Year 2 student majoring in Information Management and Information Systems, joined an in-person training program at the United Nations Headquarters in the U.S. during the winter break. “We explored the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and learned how global cooperation addresses complex issues. Simulating UN sessions gave me a new understanding of multilateral diplomacy,” he said.

Wei Zijie, a Year 2 student majoring in Translation Studies and recipient of the 2024 International Competence Scholarship, attended an in-person program in Switzerland. Ranking in the top 10% of his class, Wei received a recommendation letter signed by a former EU Commissioner and earned an internship opportunity with an NGO.

Yang Yiting, a Year 4 student majoring in International Relations, shared her reflections on the course “Gender Equality in the Digital World.” “The course deepened my understanding of gender and media in the digital era and enhanced my critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills,” she noted. “It also provided valuable research experience for future academic development.”

According to Program Manager Ms. Zhou, the initiative is now in its fourth year. In the most recent mid-term review, XJTLU was awarded the “Outstanding Institution Certificate” by the Ministry’s Center for China and Foreign Humanities Exchange, recognizing the program’s professionalism and significant outcomes.

“This year, we’ve expanded recruitment substantially to provide more opportunities for XJTLU students to engage in international internships,” Ms. Zhou explained. “For the first time, the program has welcomed participants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as international students from Kenya and Malaysia, creating a truly multicultural learning community.”