Gemma Villoresi, an Italian exchange student at the University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter), recently claimed first place in the final of the 2025 SJTU Top Ten Singers Competition. Representing JI, Gemma secured the championship title with her rendition of “All I Ask” after three rounds of competition.

Gemma is currently pursuing her undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the UK-based University College London (UCL). She joined JI as an exchange student in the fall semester of 2024. Over the past two semesters, she has not only adapted well to life and study in China, but also brought a unique artistic spirit to the institute’s engineering-focused environment.

In March, Gemma organized and hosted a campus concert titled “Unfreeze the Beat,” which featured performances by seven student bands from various schools across SJTU. The event showcased a wide range of musical styles and brought students together through the shared experience of music, adding a vibrant note to the spring atmosphere on campus.

Reflecting on her time at JI, Gemma shared: “My six months in China have been incredibly fulfilling. The courses at JI are rigorous yet engaging, and I’ve been especially impressed by the diversity of humanities offerings. Outside of class, I’ve participated in many activities, made great friends, and explored many parts of China with them. They’ve helped me understand the culture and connect with life here. I’m very glad I chose a one-year exchange program, and I plan to make the most of my final summer semester to continue discovering more about this country.”

JI has always upheld an open and inclusive approach to education, actively building platforms for international exchange. As of the spring semester of 2025, JI has welcomed more than 1,000 international students from over 70 countries and regions. These students not only benefit from its strong academic programs, but also serve as cultural ambassadors, contributing to mutual understanding and global exchange through firsthand experiences in China.