Editor’s Note:
In 2023, Fudan University initiated the one-year Preparatory Course for International Students, hosted by the International Cultural Exchange School (ICES). This comprehensive curriculum is crafted to offer training across five core subjects taught in Chinese high schools: Chinese, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Serving as a transitional academic stepping stone, this program equips students with the essential foundation needed to embark on their undergraduate journey in China.
After finishing the one-year preparatory program at Fudan, Samana, a Pakistani girl, is now a freshman in the School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA).
Samana (left) and her elder sister Sabrina are studying in the North Canteen.
Samana’s ties with Fudan University is rooted in her family’s academic legacy. “My sister came to Fudan three years ago to study clinical medicine and has always told me that Fudan is an exceptionally good university, which made me want to come here as well,” Samana shared.
A well-informed choice of major
Encouraged by her parents, Samana took courses in economic management in her preparatory year. Aiming at starting a business after completing her studies, she initially planned to apply to management-related programs.
However, it wasn’t long before Samana discovered that she lacked the motivation or interest in studying management. “My true passion would lean more towards politics, governance, and topics with a more internationalized perspective,” she admitted.
Samana enjoys a diverse range of literature, delving into Chinese literature, Greek mythology, financial management, political science, etc.
Samana’s journey to discovering her true passion was not a serendipitous event. During her preparatory year, she immersed herself in a variety of courses and lectures, seeking to delve deeper into her interests. It was within the course “Global Issues and Governance” that she crossed paths with Professor CHEN Zheng from SIRPA, who became a pivotal figure in guiding her towards her true calling. The concepts and notions related to the course appealed to her. The erudite and dynamic academic atmosphere shown by Professor Chen also met up to her expectations. The intellectual vitality that Professor Chen embodied was a powerful draw for Samana, leading her to embrace the major of International Relations—a path she had not previously considered for her academic and career trajectory.
“At times, it’s like when you’re walking on your own, and suddenly someone appears in the path and gives you a lead,” said Samana.
According to Samana, the preparatory year was instrumental in illuminating her future direction. By interacting with teachers and peers on campus, she quickly fitted in various social circles at Fudan.
“We received a lot of attention and care from many people, to whom I’m so grateful,” she said. Beyond the preparatory program, professors from optional courses would make time to check whether these prep students were keeping up and offer additional instructions to help them overcome challenges in understanding course materials.
Transforming childhood dreams into career plans
In her preparatory year, Samana joined FDanso, a student association for those keen on modern dance. This turned out to be a great opportunity as she’s quite talented at dancing and has always wanted to pursue this passion.
Joining FDanso introduced Samana to a community with seniors from various backgrounds. Meeting people of different majors and nationalities enabled her to explore unexpected aspects of Fudan.
FDanso T-shirts designed by Samana
Samana was an ardent fan of fashion design since she was a child, and she was quite successful at incorporating Fudan elements into fashion design. She was responsible for FDanso’s 2024 spring collection, designing the T-shirts and modeling them. The T-shirt sales turned out to be a success, with over 70 pieces flying off the shelves, contributing 1,000 yuan to the club’s funds.
“When I first came to Shanghai, I was amazed by the beauty and stylish atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city,” said Samana.
Beyond her studies, Samana now models for various brands and participates in a wide range of fashion events. She has a dream of building her own fashion brand, taking it to Shanghai, to her home country Pakistan, and to the rest of the world.
After graduation, she aspires to serve as a cultural bridge to help people appreciate China’s rich culture and rapid development, meanwhile enabling more Chinese to experience the warmth and charm of Pakistan. “I am eager to contribute my part,” asserted Samana with determination.
(END)
Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Writer: DING Jintong, WANG Jingyang
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
