Editor's Note
This semester, Fudan has received over 200 exchange students hailing from various countries of the globe. From the intellectual rigors of classroom learning to the vibrant exchanges of cultural dialogues, from the enticing flavors Chinese cuisines to the spirited camaraderie of sports activities, exchange students have been living side by side with their Fudan peers.
What enriches the days of exchange students at Fudan? Join us on a deep dive into their immersive experiences, as we explore the tales and moments that etch their time here into memories.
The rich tapestry of Chinese culture forms the foundation of the academic experience for international students. Lora Petrova, an exchange student from Sciences Po, expressed her amazement: “This is a remarkable opportunity to delve into Chinese traditional culture.”
Lora Petrova
Having taken a course on Pre-Qin Confucianism and Legalism this semester, Lora found it incredibly fascinating. “It has provided me with profound insights into the beliefs and behaviors of ancient Chinese people. I would highly recommend this course to any student interested in philosophy.”
Sukhjin Saran
Sukhjin Saran, a psychology major from University of Amsterdam, ventured into a debate for the first time in an Economic History class days ago. Initially unfamiliar with the rules of British Parliamentary debate, Saran felt a bit nervous, but the experience turned out to be smooth and enjoyable as he tried hard to make preparations for this debate in collaboration with his fellow students.
For Saran, Economic History is also one of his favorite classes. When ranking classes, he tends to prioritize their practical value. While the difficulty and challenges can be disturbing at times, he believes they are resolvable during the learning process. “Fudan gives you the freedom to choose your classes, select your teachers, and create your own schedule,” he said. “This has saved me plenty of time to both complete my schoolwork and pursue my interests.” In addition to hands-on experiences like debating, Saran has taken advantage of his free time to travel to different cities in China this semester, including Suzhou and Yangzhou, whose scenery he highly praises.
Saachi Singh
“I am particularly fond of Biangbiang Noodles. The intricate blend of flavors truly captivates me,” shared Saachi Singh, an exchange student from Queen’s University. “While I do occasionally enjoy dishes from my hometown in Canada, what has most impressed me is the incredible diversity of Chinese cuisines.”
“I have sampled a range of dishes, from the delicate seafood of Fujian to the hearty stews of Northeast China, and each meal is a culinary adventure,” said Saachi. She has learned a lot about Chinese culinary arts as she enjoyed diverse regional dishes available at Fudan cafeterias on a daily basis, ensuring all students can find something to their likings.
As dusk descends, the basketball court at Fudan comes alive with lights, beckoning spirited players who are raring to dive into games.
Weeks before, Osmaan Omer, a data science major from University of California, completed his first basketball match at Fudan, teamed with other international students. The boys cheered for every successful shot and demonstrated seamless teamwork throughout the exhilarating game.
Osmaan Omer
“In addition to basketball, I’ve also been an active participant in other group activities such as football and e-sports.” He highlighted his experience competing in a Fudan student tournament for the online game Valorant. As a dedicated member of the e-sports club, Osmaan has immersed himself in a spectrum of competitions, from amateur skirmishes to more professional-level engagements.”
“I haven’t fully explored the campus or participate in each and every activity here, for the time I stayed there have gone so fast,” said Osmaan with a hint of regret, “but the university truly offers us a wealth of opportunities to try new things.”
A day at Fudan always ends with a sense of fulfillment, new achievements, and high expectations for the morrow. Though the exchange term is brief, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who participate.
Seeing is believing. We're looking forward to meeting you on campus next term.
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Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Writer: YANG Xinrui, YIN Zhenjie
Video: TAN Yuyan
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
Designer: CHEN Shuyang
