June is graduation time and this year, Jilin University, in the city of Changchun, Jilin province, is saying goodbye to its international students, with many events, including its graduation ceremony, on June 25.

Foreign students take a group photo with Jilin University officials at their graduation ceremony on June 25. The university graduated 209 foreign students from 57 countries. [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

There were 209 foreign students from 57 countries involved and posing for photos with the school's Party secretary, Yang Zhenbin, its president, Li Yuanyuan, and vice-president, Chen Gang. At the degree ceremony, June 25 - 26, there were 18 PhDs, 94 masters and 97 BAs.

It was followed by the annual international student party in International Academic Hall on June 27, where faculty members, research units, administrators all joined the international students for the opening ceremony accompanied by a video clip of the students' life at Jilin University, then a performance and a farewell dinner. Liu Debin, an assistant-president addressed the gathering by expressing his hopes for the international graduates in build a tight bond between their respective countries and China, and contributing their knowledge to world peace and development.

Li Yuanyuan, the president of Jilin University, caps one of his foreign graduates at the school's graduation on June 25. [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

Speaking on behalf of the students were Naima Sharifdahir, from Somalia and Ruan Guosi, from Vietnam, who spoke about their study life in China and their gratitude for their parents, teachers, and the school. There were also school souvenirs for the students, who had prepared some song and dance routines to show the culture of their countries.

The school started its international student program way back in the 1960s and by now has seen 3,600 graduates from 102 countries. This has enhanced the international atmosphere of the university, and has gained it an international reputation.

Foreign students take a group photo at graduation ceremony. They said: "We've graduated, thanks Jilin University and goodbye". [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]