The University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) is expected to receive 27 international students pursuing bachelor degrees in the fall semester starting September. The international students are from 15 countries including Bangledesh, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.

In spite of the challenges posed by the global pandemic which discourages many people from travelling overseas, the number of international applications for the JI undergraduate programs saw a dramatic increase over the past year, said Yu Zhang, Manager of International Undergraduate Recruitment Office.

“I am very excited and can’t wait to get myself exposed to new experiences and cultures like food, languages and friends from other parts of the world. I also believe that JI is an essential bridge for me to become a successful person,” said prospective student Kantaphat Leelakunwet from Thailand in a greeting video sent to the undergraduate office before joining the joint institute in September.

Latest statistics showed JI has attracted degree-pursuing international students from over 30 countries since 2006. To date, more than 700 international students have studied at JI.