Founded in 1897, as one of the oldest institutions, Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a leading research university and has always been ranked among the few top universities in China in terms of its comprehensive academic strength shown in teaching, research and social service. ZJU is the most comprehensive university in China whose fields of studies cover 12 major branches of learning, namely philosophy, education, literature, history, management, science, engineering, economics, law, agriculture, arts and medicine; and offers various degree or non-degree study programs. There were over 5,200 international students from 130 countries studying in ZJU in 2013. With students from a great number of nationalities, the university provides students good opportunities to understand and experience different cultures.