International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University (ZJU-ISM) welcomed its 2025 cohort on September 9, with 150 new students—the highest intake nationwide—hailing from 46 countries across six continents. For the first time, the student body spans nearly all continents except Antarctica.
Registration began at 8:30 a.m., but eager students had already lined up outside the library. They moved through the process—enrollment, housing registration, phone and bank cards—smoothly and efficiently.
College leadership, including Wu Liming, Lou Min, Zhang Jianfu, and Lou Xiaoxiao, greeted new students on site, welcoming them to campus and checking in on their first impressions and campus experience.
Zhu Guoqiang, Deputy Director of International Affairs Office, noted that since ZJU-ISM took over the MBBS program in 2023, both enrollment scale and student quality have steadily improved. This year, the intake reached 150—the highest in China—and all spots were filled. Despite a nearly 50% increase in places, the admission ratio remained highly competitive. “Our 2025 MBBS students come from 46 countries (by passport), spanning six continents. It’s a milestone,” he said.
Chemistry Olympiad Medalist—and Concert-Level Pianist
Sergey Tadevosyan, from Russia, won bronze at the International Chemistry Olympiad last year. “I competed in Shenzhen and got my first taste of China. The Chinese students were outstanding, and everyone I met was cultured and polite. I also love Chinese food, culture, and museums—so I decided to come here,” he said.
Several family members work in medicine; his grandfather, a doctor for over 50 years, inspired him. Friends already at ZJU-ISM encouraged him to join. After careful thought, he chose Zhejiang University. “It has global recognition in medical education. My friends told me about life here—I know I’ll have six unforgettable years.”
Sergey is also a pianist of professional caliber, having won multiple music awards. Right after registration, he headed straight to the practice room. With the university-wide piano competition now open for registration, he’s ready to compete.
After a Bachelor’s in Biotech, She Started Over in Medicine
Armita Kamalinejad from Iran arrived with a bachelor’s in biotechnology and even some graduate coursework. But to become a doctor, she chose to start from scratch—enrolling in the MBBS program.
“To be honest, starting over at this age was nerve-wracking. I hesitated. But then I realized: when I look back at my life, what matters is what I’ve experienced—not whether I followed a rigid timeline. So I applied here. I believe it was the right choice,” she said.
During her previous studies, Armita ranked top ten in her major, worked as a teaching and research assistant, and co-authored a journal paper. Since high school, she has volunteered with the Red Crescent. She believes these experiences will help her transition smoothly into medical school. “I’ve never studied or joined activities just to polish my resume. I only pursue what I truly love and believe in. When passion meets discipline, no challenge is too great.”
When she learned that ZJU-ISM offers a triple mentorship system (academic, research, and student life) and that first-years can already get involved in research, Armita beamed: “I miss the lab. I can’t wait to connect with professors and dive in.”
A Drama Fan Who Learned Chinese from TV
Naledi D.N Kamgna, under 18, is one of the youngest in her cohort. Her elegant Chinese name, Mo Yue, was self-chosen. “Mo stands for ink and brush—depth and substance. Yue is a legendary pearl—auspicious and rare,” she explained.
Born in Cameroon and raised in South Africa, Naledi grew up in a household that, like many Chinese families, restricted screen time. But she couldn’t resist sneaking in episodes of Home Temptation, a hit Chinese drama with English subtitles. Hooked by the plot, she became a devoted fan of Chinese series.
To better understand the stories, she taught herself Chinese—just from subtitles. It came naturally. And that sparked a deeper interest in Chinese culture. “My favorites are Empresses in the Palace and Cat’s Cradle. I’ve watched them over and over,” she said. “Through these dramas, I learned about China’s 5,000-year history, how it has transformed into a modern global leader while holding onto its unique culture and values.”
When she discovered that the author of Cat’s Cradle is Zijin Chen, a Zhejiang University alumnus, she gasped: “ZJU is amazing!” That realization, she says, is why she came to China—to see for herself the country she had only glimpsed through a screen.
A New Beginning
After registration, the 2025 cohort will begin a month-long orientation—a series of activities designed to help them get to know China, integrate into ZJU and Yiwu, and turn strangers from across the globe into friends and peers.
It’s also the start of something bigger. Armita put it best: “University will shape our future. I want to gain as much knowledge and experience as I can—to build a solid foundation for my career. But I also want to embrace this moment: to cherish life in a new country, meet new people, and try things I’ve never done before. I’m ready to own my youth.”
Welcome, Class of 2025! Dream big—and make it happen.
