Beyond borders: the transformative journey of student exchange

Editor’s Note

This semester, Tsinghua University opened its doors to a diverse influx of international exchange students, visiting students, and those in the Chinese language program, joining from top-tier institutions across the globe. These students hail from renowned universities, reflecting Tsinghua's commitment to fostering a truly international academic community.

What are their lives like? What are their impressions about Tsinghua? Let’s take a glimpse into the stories of two exchange students!

Alperen Gaygisiz

Alperen Gaygisiz, a third-year undergraduate from Utrecht University, embarked on an exchange adventure at the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management, driven by his curiosity for new educational horizons.

When Alperen embarked on his exchange program, he found himself in the midst of an entirely unfamiliar language and culture. The initial adjustment was challenging; the Chinese language remained an enigma, and cultural nuances were perplexing. “I was intrigued by the prospect of exploring this part of the world, especially from the vantage point of such a renowned university,” Alperen said.

At first, the task of navigating this new terrain was daunting. However, Alperen approached these challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Through persistent self-study and the invaluable assistance of friends, he gradually mastered the essential Chinese phrases, easing his daily interactions and enriching his experience abroad. 

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Since his arrival, Alperen has embraced the vibrant life in Beijing, finding the city’s architecture reminiscent of his hometown, Istanbul. “Everyone is nice and helpful,” he says. From basking in the sunshine at the Summer Palace to camping along the Great Wall, he’s been savoring his time in Beijing.

Alperen is currently immersed in a challenging yet fulfilling academic journey, taking courses in international business, finance, philosophy, and more. The student association fair at Tsinghua left him in awe, offering a wide variety of clubs, from music to cosplay associations. He’s even become a member of the Student Boxing Association, actively participating in their training sessions.

To future exchange students at Tsinghua, he advises, “Before coming, learn a bit of Chinese, and prepare your documents well. You’re in for a great time.

David Haoyang Xu

David is a second-year master's student from the University of Copenhagen and is currently on an exchange at Tsinghua University, studying Actuarial Mathematics.

Settling into campus life, he’s pleasantly surprised by the sheer size of the university and the various interesting activities it offers. “There is just so much vitality and activities in the university,” he exclaims, still in awe of the discoveries he makes each day.

David's academic adventure at Tsinghua University is significantly enriched by a curriculum that interweaves Chinese and English-taught courses, offering him a diverse and comprehensive educational experience. Specialized classes like Life and Health Insurance and Private Equity and Venture Capital, taught from a unique Chinese perspective, expand his understanding of global finance. Meanwhile, English-taught courses such as International Economics and Econometrics resonate with the pedagogical styles he's accustomed to in Denmark, allowing for a seamless integration of familiar and novel academic approaches. This blend not only broadens his knowledge but also equips him with a multifaceted view of his field, preparing him for a future where cross-cultural academic fluency is invaluable.

Beyond academics, David is also a member of the school skiing team and has joined various clubs as well. As an exchange student, he shares valuable insights for both the university and future adventurers eyeing Tsinghua. His sage advice to potential exchange students: “Be open-minded and be proactive. Also, just try to talk to people, they are really helpful people in general.”

Their stories stand as inspiring reminders that the most rewarding chapters of our lives often begin with a step outside the familiar. For every student embarking on an exchange journey, there awaits a horizon brimming with growth, understanding, and memories to last a lifetime.

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TsinghuaRen | Beyond borders: the transformative journey of student exchange

Writers: Anna Mao, Mike Qian, Wang Chen Yile

Editors: Gillian Tang, Liu Shutian

Designer: Liu Zhengyu

Reviewers: Chen Ken, Lin Yuan