Since its establishment in July 2021, the NWU-Salento School of Cultural Heritage and Arts (An-Lai School) has been committed to its student-centered educational philosophy and has made continuous efforts to explore innovative undergraduate training models under the framework of Sino-foreign cooperative education. Based on multiple rounds of consultation between Northwest University (NWU) and the University of Salento (UniSalento), students of An-Lai School are encouraged to participate in inter-university exchange programs at the UniSalento during the third year of their undergraduate study. Beginning in April 2024, the school actively organized a series of activities to support this year’s exchange cohort, including study abroad briefings, professional lectures, pre-departure orientations, and visa guidance sessions. On the evening of October 14, the school’s management team arrived at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to see off the 2024 group of students departing for Italy.

During the send-off, WANG Baohong, Secretary of the CPC Party Committee of An-Lai School, emphasized the great importance attached to the exchange program and encouraged students to uphold patriotism, maintain cultural confidence, and serve as ambassadors of Sino-Italian friendship. He advised students to respect local customs, study diligently, and make full use of Italy’s rich educational resources to broaden their international vision and enhance their academic competence. He also reminded them to stay positive and resilient, and to approach challenges abroad with courage and composure so as to complete their study tasks with excellence.

Dean WEN Rui urged the students to embrace the ideal of “integrating Chinese and Western cultures and serving the nation”, to set clear academic goals, and to make careful plans for both their studies and daily life in Italy. He encouraged them to cultivate global competence through international exchange and to strengthen cultural confidence through cross-cultural communication and learning. He also reminded everyone to stay alert to personal, transportation, financial, and psychological safety, ensuring a safe and smooth journey abroad and a safe return home.

Representatives of students and parents expressed their appreciation to the school for the comprehensive support provided in preparing for the exchange. The departing students stated that they would actively communicate with both NWU and UniSalento faculty, strengthen their language and intercultural communication skills, and strive to achieve fruitful academic and personal outcomes during their studies in Italy.