Executive President's address to XJTLU overseas students

Executive President’s address to Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University overseas students for Christmas, New Year, and the Chinese New Year

Dear XJTLU Overseas Students,

Time waits for no one, and, once again, the end of the year is upon us. As the Omicron Covid variant has escalated the pandemic around the world, I have been particularly concerned about XJTLU students studying abroad in this increasingly volatile, complex and uncertain world.

As Christmas and New Year approach, I hope that you all keep a positive attitude, protect yourselves well, and gain growth in your lives through this special period of overseas study. I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to all XJTLU students studying abroad for your trust in and support for XJTLU during this difficult year. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

You are currently in the international arena in a troubled and unpredictable global environment. Your experience of studying abroad may be more difficult than ever before. In addition to learning to live and study in a foreign country, you also have to face the challenges brought about by the pandemic and adapt to online and offline learning modes. But this crisis is also an extremely precious opportunity for you as young adults. You are being trained in keeping calm when dealing with crisis and are developing a heightened sense of responsibility in these highly unusual and unprecedented circumstances. This year has not been easy for anyone. There have been times of distress and confusion, but also times of surprise and brilliance, as well as unforgettable life-altering and life-bettering experiences.

Just like your parents, I have been extremely concerned about your studies and safety. I have maintained good communications with the University of Liverpool and our other partner universities, and we are all doing our best to help you through this extraordinary period. The XJTLU Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers online services to help students who need to relieve stress and cope with their problems. No matter whenever it is, or wherever you are, please remember that XJTLU is your warm and welcoming home.

Fifteen years of navigating hurdles, combined with the strenuous test of the Covid-19 pandemic, have made us more resilient than ever and courageous enough to wade into uncharted waters. Looking ahead, the path going forward is still one dotted with the pandemic and other challenges, but I’m full of confidence. I hope that throughout the coming year we can remain stronger together to weather the storms and challenges and to welcome a future where an even more remarkable 15 years of XJTLU history is waiting for us.

Dear XJTLU overseas students, thank you all again for your company on this journey. As we join hands to welcome the year 2022, I wish all of you good health and many successes, and, most importantly, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Professor Youmin Xi
Executive President of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool