Editor's Note: 2023 marks the tenth anniversary since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched, which has greatly enhanced trade cooperation and related infrastructure with nations from six continents worldwide. Chongqing is located at a critical juncture between the BRI and Yangtze River economic belt, which has raised interest amongst young students worldwide to undertake degree programs at universities based in the city, with many taking advantage of BRI scholarships to foster skills and contribute to development in their respective countries. In this series, iChongqing reporter James Alexander meets with overseas students from five top universities in Chongqing to learn about their impressions of life and study.

Southwest University of Political Science & Law is the earliest institute of political science and law established after the founding of New China and was among the first batch of national key universities following the reform policy and opening up. The campus location in Yubei District also places the university at an important strategic trade channel on the Belt and Road Initiative. 

Leka Emmanuel is a postgraduate student from Albania who has lived in Chongqing for five years. He first learned about the prestigious reputation of SWUPL in law programs when he studied Chinese language and culture at the Confucius Institute back home. 

Elena Mironova, a master's student from Russia, came to Chongqing about half a year ago and feels amazed at the level of development and cultural heritage. Likewise, Mireille Ramamonjisoa from Madagascar came to Chongqing on the recommendation of friends who described the city's beauty and hospitality.

When asked about their future plans, they all expressed a desire to stay longer in Chongqing. Elena wishes to become an international lawyer at a Russian-Chinese joint venture, and Mireille would like to be an international translator. As for budding law graduates seeking open-minded professors at a high-standard university, Leka stated they should not hesitate to choose Chongqing and SWUPL.

Professor. Zhang Jianwen, Dean of SWUPL International Education College and Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Office, explained that enrollment for overseas students began in the mid-1980s and that the most popular degree programs are law, economics, and management. Chongqing is open and ideal for international study. Students worldwide are welcome to SWUPL.