Ever wondered what it’s like being an exchange student in China? My name is Marita, a 21-year-old computer science student at ETH originally from Austria. Last semester, I embarked on an exchange program in Beijing. China was a vast mystery to me and its post-COVID-19 complexities added an extra layer of challenge. Nevertheless, I was ready to embrace the unknown and dive headfirst into this new experience. 

Arriving in September, I found myself navigating the immigration and registration process. After an exhausting day of filling out forms, I fondly remember my first exploration of the university campus. I was immediately captivated by the lively atmosphere, with students on the streets and fields engaging in diverse activities – from card games to sports, their energy and vibrancy filled the air.  Imagine a bustling city, home to 60,000 students, equally many bikes, numerous sports fields, scenic parks and lakes. Twelve canteens, cozy coffee shops, bubble tea spots, banks, mobile providers, post offices, and even a hospital turn the campus into a self-contained world, vibrant and full of life.

On campus I met international students mostly from Europe. Along the way, I even connected with fellow Austrians, joining them for a visit to the embassy. Being part of such an energetic, enthusiastic, kind, fun, and diverse cohort has been a joy. I encountered people who built their own businesses, are exceptional in their field of study, people who want to change the world – leaving me hopeful about the future. Connecting with motivated individuals from such diverse backgrounds made me feel enthusiastic about taking action and facing today‘s challenges. It inspires me to initiate projects and contribute to a greater cause. When young people come together and work towards a brighter future, who knows what we can achieve. 

With regards to student life, Beijing – a megacity of about 21 million – offers charming bars, vibrant nightlife, countless sightseeing spots, and parks that dot the city with the Summer Palace topping my list. The public transportation system is fantastic; for less than 1 CHF, you can cross Beijing on the metro or take a taxi for a 25-minute ride for about 5 CHF – a service I’ll truly miss. China‘s shift to a digital society made travel and daily transactions incredibly easy and facilitated adventures that took us beyond Beijing to discover what this vast country has to offer. A highlight was visiting Shanghai Tower – one of the tallest buildings in the world. 

Stepping out of the international bubble and connecting with locals was quite challenging. The language barrier and the fact that dorms and classes are different do not facilitate cultural discourse. Yet, the Chinese students I met were nothing short of inspiring – super motivated, hard-working, and very curious about life back in Europe. They truly embody the university’s slogan: „Actions speak louder than words!“ and live up to their reputation of being China‘s elite. When it comes to the academic environment, class sizes are smaller and focus more on consistent attendance, homework, projects, and presentations i.e. a standout experience was presenting a project judged by Managing Directors from Samsung.

While my journey wasn‘t without its imperfections, communications barriers notably shaped my experience. Although Google Translate or even gbt-4 became my best friends for translating, simple acts like ordering coffee or being denied entry to bars because I couldn’t speak the language were frustrating at times. These challenges, alongside standing out in appearance, initially made me feel like an outsider. However, it is important to note that my interactions with locals were overwhelmingly positive. Adapting to the constant presence of surveillance cameras and navigating the lack of data protection also seemed daunting. Surprisingly, after some time, I caught myself feeling significantly more free than I had anticipated. I just stopped noticing it as much. 

Looking back at my semester in Beijing, I recognize it as a transformative journey that broadened my perspectives and deepened appreciation not only for cultural diversity but also the intricacies of the Chinese language and culture. For those who are curious about stepping out of their comfort zone to study abroad, particularly in China, I wholeheartedly say: Go for it!