Wang Tianyi [Photo provided to China Daily]

Emerging opportunities

Shanghainese student Wang Tianyi says her initial plan was to study in Russia and spring from a Russian language major to become an interdisciplinary professional. This has brought the 25-year-old many opportunities, she says.

Wang enrolled in the international law program in Saint Petersburg University's graduate school, specializing in international commerce arbitration.

She was sponsored by the China Scholarship Council, a nonprofit institution affiliated with the Ministry of Education.

As ties between Russia and China strengthen under the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang's part-time work as a translator has exposed her to many commercial and academic activities and helped her connect with visitors.

Last year, Wang accompanied a top official from China's Ministry of Justice to attend an international legal forum, which helped her to see things on both a national and international level.

These experiences also influenced her research and career development.

The graduation thesis Wang has been working on explores such areas as investment-dispute settlements between two countries' investors under the background of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Huang Jianzhong, economics professor and dean of the School of Business of the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, sees the closer business connections breeding large demand for Chinese talent.

"Students who choose to study along the Belt and Road countries are more oriented toward practical and commerce-related skills," Huang says.

"In this sense, education is an important push for business and trade along the Belt and Road."