On the afternoon of November 11, XJTLU held the kick-off ceremony for the 5th International Competence Training Program. Initiated by the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE), Ministry of Education in 2020, the program aims to cultivate top-tier innovative reserve talents capable of voicing on the international stage through a comprehensive pipeline of lectures, courses, practical training, and internships. This cohort recruited a total of 100 students. In terms of student composition, it not only comprehensively covers all levels of study—from undergraduate and master's to doctoral degrees—but also welcomes international students, presenting a more diversified and integrated ecosystem.

In his address, Dr. Li Xiaoyue, Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice President of XJTLU, pointed out that with global issues such as climate change, public health security, and artificial intelligence governance intersecting across borders, the country's demand for high-level, versatile international talents—who are dedicated to the nation, well-versed in international rules, and equipped with strong cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills—is more urgent than ever.

He stated that international competence is essentially a core competency rooted in local realities while connecting with the world, and a comprehensive ability to build consensus amidst diversity and tackle global challenges through pragmatic cooperation. "This programme is also a vital part of XJTLU's international education practices," he added.

Dr. Li congratulated the students successfully selected for the fifth cohort and expressed his gratitude to the teachers who have long supported the program's development. He put forward three expectations for the students: "First, ground yourselves in China's realities to form a clear coordinate for understanding the world. You should not only understand the historical context, social systems, and ways of thinking of different civilisations, but also maintain a clear understanding of Chinese culture, national development, and the responsibilities of our times. Second, internalise your knowledge and hone your ability to solve practical problems. Cherish the opportunities to train at international organisations and intern at foreign embassies and consulates in China, testing your classroom learning in real-world tasks. Third, embrace openness and inclusiveness to enhance collaborative skills through mutual learning among civilisations. In interdisciplinary and cross-cultural team discussions and training tasks, respect differences, communicate fully, build consensus, and advance cooperation."

Liu Yunxi, a Year 2 student majoring in Financial and Business English at XJTLU, shared her learning experience and internship gains as an outstanding student representative from previous cohorts. She noted that the programme has no major restrictions for course selection. As an arts student, she took four courses: How AI Empowers the Digital Transformation of Education, Applications of AI and Data Science in Business Decision Making, Gender Studies in the Workplace: Strategies for Leadership Development, and Music Therapy and Emotion Management, from which she benefited greatly.

Liu specifically shared her experience of standing out from hundreds of applicants during her first year, ultimately securing an online internship opportunity with the Commercial Industry Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). This internship allowed her to exercise her adaptability and quick reaction skills in real practice, and enhanced her information integration, cross-lingual communication, and teamwork abilities in a genuine international working environment. "More importantly, for the first time, I truly felt that the languages and knowledge learned in the classroom can be genuinely applied to projects facing international users."

She advised her junior peers to actively seize opportunities: "You can achieve more than you imagine. I hope everyone persists in learning and actively tries new things. Not only will you gain a certificate, but more importantly, new knowledge, an international perspective, and the opportunity to step into the real world."

At the end of the ceremony, Ms. Fan Chunyi, Director of International Relations for the High-level Internationalized Talents Programme, introduced the overall situation of the project. She stated that the programme features two training pathways: practical training camps for cultivating international organisation talents, and a Sino-foreign dual-mentor system for cultivating top-tier academic talents. Since its launch, through collaboration with national university platforms, the programme has successfully sent over 1,600 students to internship positions at more than 240 international organisations and foreign embassies and consulates in China.

Drawing on her own experiences studying at George Washington University and interning at the World Bank, Ms. Fan emphasised the importance of geographical advantages, early planning, and structuring one's personal experience narrative when applying for internships at international organisations. She encouraged everyone to step out of the campus, go to the international stage, and understand the real ecology of the world. "Strive to integrate your personal development direction with national development and the global landscape, gradually formulate a clear development plan, and win a better future for yourselves."

(Reporter: Hu Qiuchen | Photos provided by: XJTLU Student Clubs Support Centre)
13 November 2026