Established in May 1987, the International Cultural Exchange School (ICES) at Fudan University enrolls over 3,000 students from all over the world annually, earning the nickname “Little United Nations”.
Last year, with the support of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of China, ICES started to offer the HSK UPASS General Academic Ability Program to high school graduates from around the world who aspire to pursue higher education in China.
It is a one-year preparatory course to help students adapt to China’s education system, providing intensive training in five core subjects commonly pursued by Chinese students: Chinese, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. This foundational academic experience will serve as a bridge before these students transition into their undergraduate studies in China.
Recently, we reached out to a select group of students who have completed the program to gather their reflections and insights on their academic journey.
Personalized and Focused Instruction
During the preparatory year, students were categorized into three different classes, tailored to their proficiency in Chinese and overall capabilities. This year’s Class A, B, and C comprise 5, 6, and 8 students respectively, each with its own language curriculum and specific course requirements. “The small-class format allows for a more immersive and interactive learning environment,” said Samana Shah Kazmi, a Pakistani student in Class C from last year’s program, now an undergraduate majoring in International Relations and Public Affairs. She notes that the smaller class sizes have enabled educators to provide more personalized and focused instruction.
In an effort to provide more personalized support, the program has introduced an innovative mentor system. Each preparatory class is assigned a mentor who oversees all class-related affairs and facilitates communication between teachers and students. “The primary goal is to customize each student’s learning experience and help them achieve their full potential,” explained SONG Qing, the mentor for Class C this year.
Curriculum Getting You Ready for Undergraduate Studies
Beyond the regular Chinese Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing modules, Academic Chinese and Comprehensive Chinese have been added to the curriculum. “This setting aims to prepare students for future professional courses delivered in Chinese,” says SONG. As a matter of fact, many students who went through this year’s training can understand Chinese in academic contexts just as good as their Chinese peers.
Romaniuk Serafym, a preparatory student from Ukraine in Class B last year, credits the Chinese courses for resolving his communication challenges and allowing him to engage with others more effectively. It’s hard to imagine that just two years ago, Serafym struggled to construct a full sentence in Chinese. Now, he is pursuing a degree in Computer Science, with all his classes conducted in Chinese. “Hard to believe. Yet, it’s true,” Serafym said affirmatively.
Apart from language courses, academic courses and projects in mathematics, physics and chemistry also offer students a platform to enrich themselves. For Serafym, who is interested in engineering, extra courses in physics and chemistry during the preppy strengthened his belief in moving forward on the proper track for him. “I feel that I’m doing the right things in the right place,” he claimed.
In terms of assessment, students are not solely judged by a single exam but are evaluated based on their sustained performance. Elements like class participation, assignments, and quizzes are given significant weight alongside exam scores.
Discovering Subjects You are Passionate About and Sailing On
The preparatory year is an invaluable period for experimentation and discovery, allowing students to explore potential majors for their undergraduate studies. “We have the option to take undergraduate courses during our preparatory year, and these courses do not affect our grades, which creates a more relaxed learning environment,” Samana explained. “One of my teachers would send us international students an English translation of all the Chinese philosophical concepts, which was incredibly helpful.”
Cem Lu, a Turkish student from Class C last year, chose to reassess his initial academic trajectory after a year of study. “During my preparatory year, I discovered the allure of various subjects and recognized my own potential within them through the courses I took,” he said. Currently, Cem is enrolled in a natural sciences concentration program in the School of Life Sciences.
“Every interaction has expanded my horizons and deepened my connection with Fudan,” said Serafym. Having observed Fudan’s pioneering efforts in its “AI for Science” and “AI for Social Science” initiatives, he became more resolute in studying computer science.
The majority of students who have completed this program have successfully transitioned into undergraduate studies. Besides Fudan, students have also received offers from top-notch institutions such as Peking University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, and Shanghai Theatre Academy.
Unlike many international students who may initially find themselves in a state of bewilderment when beginning their studies at a Chinese university, those who have successfully navigated Fudan’s preparatory program have gained a head start. With a year of campus life under their belts, they have developed a clearer understanding of their strengths and interests, as well as a more comprehensive vision for their future study and careers.
(END)
Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Writer: DING Jintong, WANG Jingyang
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
