Peking University, September 5, 2023: Between Sept. 3 and Sept. 4, Peking University (PKU) welcomed a new batch of international students during an international student orientation at the Student Center. 

They were warmly greeted by University leaders, faculty members, and the beaming smiles from PKU student volunteers, who were more than excited to bring the newcomers in and stood ready to provide any assistance. 

Group photo of volunteers at the orientation event

This year, a total of 1,597 international students are enrolled at Peking University. The cohort consists of 362 undergraduates, 374 graduate students, 69 Ph.D. students, 78 preparatory students, 332 visiting & exchange students, and 154 short-term students; in addition, 145 students are admitted to Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC) while another 93 enters Peking Univeristy's Shenzhen Graduate School(PKUSZ).

Entering into a new environment, some new students might be unaccustomed, nervous, or unfamiliar with what’s to come, while others were more outgoing, relaxed, and ready to initiate conversations with PKUers they’d just met. But what was common was the gleam of excitement in their eyes, looking forward to what was to come in a new chapter in their life at Peking University. 

Campus tour

Our student journalists with PKU News spoke with some of the new PKUers at the orientation event. Here’s what they have to say about this new journey!

Jannis Gaedke


Germany
Undergraduate, Guanghua School of Management

1. What motivated you to choose Peking University?

I was motivated while I was already interested in learning in Chinese language.

2. How do you feel about starting this new chapter of your academic journey here?

I feel pretty excited to find out something new about another place in the world since this is the first time I’ve been outside of Europe. It’s an interesting experience.

3. Are there any expectations and goals you’re trying to achieve in your time here?

To surprise myself and see what happens.

4. In 1-3 words, how would you describe your feelings right now?

New and exciting!

Lim Dewita


Germany
Undergraduate, Department of the Chinese Language & Literature

1. What motivated you to choose Peking University for your international studies?

I heard that the language program is really excellent here and I’m trying to improve my Chinese. I’m really lucky to be here.

2. How do you feel about starting this new chapter of your academic journey here?

I’m very excited!

3. Are there any expectations and goals you’re trying to achieve during your time here?

HSK 5 and if I’m able to achieve this, maybe HSK 6 in the future.

4. In 1-3 words, how would you describe your feelings right now?

Family, welcoming, and very, very warm!

Richard Shao


Brazil
Undergraduate, Guanghua School of Management

1. What motivated you to choose Peking University?

I’m interested to know more about Chinese culture and to speak more Mandarin. 

2. How do you feel about starting this new chapter of your academic journey here?

A little nervous but really excited to learn about everything I want to study here.

3. Are there any expectations and goals you’re trying to achieve during your time here?

I want to master and improve my Mandarin, and know about the culture. Hopefully, after the courses here, I’ll be able to improve my Mandarin, know more about the culture, and know more about management.

4. In 1-3 words, how would you describe your feelings right now?

Excited, nervous, and scared about what I’m going to face but I’m good!

Xiao Xi Wu


Canada
Undergraduate, Department of Sociology

1. What motivated you to choose Peking University?

I regard China as my home and PKU is the top university in China. 

2. How do you feel about starting this new chapter of your academic journey here?

A bit nervous as I’ve just got back. I haven’t been back for 4 years and I see how much China has changed. But on top of the nervousness, I’m more excited about everything!

3. Are there any expectations and goals you’re trying to achieve during your time here?

I just want to make more friends and my goal is not academic-wise but more about personal growth like mind growth to prepare me for future study or future career. It’s more about the mind.

4. In 1-3 words, how would you describe your feelings right now?

I am excited, feeling loved by everyone, and a bit nervous.

Misha


Russia
Graduate, Yenching Academy

1. What motivated you to choose Peking University?

I’m a student of the YCA, it’s one of the most prestigious graduate programs in China which is why I decided to opt for PKU.  I’ve been studying in China for 5 years already, so I wanted to stay here and I thought that PKU is just the best place to continue my education.

2. How do you feel about starting this new chapter of your academic journey here?

(I feel) very fascinated because I did not think I would be able to enter the YCA as their acceptance rate is under 3%. But now I’m very happy and excited to start this new chapter and learn new things, as well as to be a better version of myself.

3. Are there any expectations and goals you’re trying to achieve during your time here?

Of course, I want to be better at math and be better at Chinese. This would be my first time studying in Chinese.

4. In 1-3 words, how would you describe your feelings right now?

Excited, fascinated, and looking forward to doing a lot of new stuff!

Ostilda C. O. Hughes


Sierra Leone
Ph.D. student, Theoretical Economics

1. What motivated you to choose Peking University?

I’ve heard so much about PKU and the high standards of its program. I’m pursuing my Ph.D. and that’s why I opted here. 

2. How do you feel about starting this new chapter of your academic journey here?

I feel good and it’s a new adventure for me in a different environment.

3. Are there any expectations and goals you’re trying to achieve during your time here?

I’m expecting to get new knowledge, learn new knowledge, and make new friends.

4. In 1-3 words, how would you describe your feelings right now?

Very very happy!

Florence Ng


Singapore
Undergraduate, Department of the Chinese Language & Literature

1. What motivated you to choose Peking University?

I am very interested in the Chinese language and literature – PKU is the perfect place to study this subject!

2. How do you feel about starting this new chapter of your academic journey here?

I think it’ll be a very exciting part of my life, coming to a different country, meeting new people, making new friends, staying at a hostel alone myself – all are very new experiences for me!

3. Are there any expectations and goals you’re trying to achieve during your time here?

I hope to graduate successfully and smoothly! (I also hope to) make new friends and get to know people around me!

4. In 1-3 words, how would you describe your feelings right now?

Excited, nervous, and more than happy!

With that, welcome to Peking University!

Written by: Vissly Chan, Khoo Yeu Her
Interviewed by: Khoo Yeu Her, Vissly Chan
Edited by: Dennis Meng