In order to further implement the national “Belt and Road" initiative and speed up the internationalization of LUSM under the "Double First Class" project, after more than 6 months preparation, the first international summer school of LUSM has begun on July 8^th. The theme of the program is sustainable development in western China and it provides 26 faculty and students from Western Washington University (WWU), US, Aston University, UK and Lanzhou University with a golden opportunity to study and visit in Lanzhou and other Silk Road cities in two weeks.

On the morning of July 8th, the welcome ceremony  was held at LZU. Mr. Gang Chi, Drector of Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, Xuejun Wang, Associate Dean of LUSM, Yanhai Zhao, Assistant Dean of LUSM welcomed all the students from home and broad, especially students form WWU led by Professor Edwin Love and students from Aston.

Director Chi congratulated the opening of the summer program and sincerely welcomed all the domestic and international faculty and students. He pointed out that the summer program is the embodiment of the internationalization achievements of the LUSM, and should be supported and encouraged. He hoped that in the future, more schools and disciplines can be included on the basis of the exploration of LUSM, and the demonstration effect of the program will be brought into full play to promote the international level of Lanzhou University. Dean Wang, on behalf of LUSM, welcomed the students. He reviewed the achievements of internationalization of the School since its establishment, especially the good and in-depth cooperative relationship with WWU and Aston University. He hoped that all the students can gain knowledge, experience and harvest friendship through the program. Professor Ed, on behalf of WWU, congratulated the successful holding of the summer school. He said that LUSM is a primary strategic partner of his business school. The 10-year partnership between the two sides laid a solid foundation for the successful holding of the summer program. In the earlier period, both sides have done a lot of work to promote the program. He hoped that the summer school will be a new starting point to enhance the understanding and communication between the students of both sides, and an opportunity to start other new projects.

After the opening ceremony, Ms. Xuefei Yan and Peipei Ma from international cooperation office of LUSM organized the orientation and ice-breaking activity.

Through the exchange and communication between Chinese and foreign students, not only can we consolidate the cooperative relationship, but can show the 110 years development and accumulation of LZU and the flourish of western China to the outside.