Several freshmen get together for a group photo at the International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. [Photo/Tide News]

The International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University — located in Yiwu county-level city in Jinhua, Zhejiang province — welcomed this year's freshmen from around the world on Sept 9.

The school's Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program admitted 150 students this year, representing an increase of nearly 50 percent over last year. Notably, the students come from 46 countries across all six continents, achieving global coverage for the first time.

As the Belt and Road Initiative brings China and the world ever closer together and Zhejiang University gains prominence globally, more overseas students are choosing to pursue their education there.

Applications surged by 110 percent compared to 2024, drawing interest from applicants in over 60 nations. "Currently, we have more than 300 MBBS students," said Lou Min, vice-president of the International School of Medicine.

Among the newcomers is Sergey Tadevosyan from Armenia, who was a bronze medalist at the 58th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad held in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, last year. He said it was because of this experience in China that he fell in love with Chinese culture, cuisine, and museums.

Inspired by his grandfather, who practiced medicine for over five decades, he aims to carry on his family's legacy. Therefore, his friends studying at ZJU recommended the school to him.

Sergey was impressed by the beautiful campus and friendly Chinese peers, expressing his expectations for the next six years of study.

After registration, the students will have a month-long orientation program blending academic preparations with cultural immersion designed to help them integrate into both the school and the city.