Beijing study trip: My top 4 experiences from my trip to Tsinghua University – by Vicky Lee

 

Vicky Lee, from South Korea, is a recent graduate of the MSc International Securities, Investment and Banking course at the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School. The ICMA Centre offers three scholarship opportunities each year for students to visit Tsinghua University as part of university’s annual Summer Program, and Vicky was one of a select few to be chosen. Here are her top 4 experiences from the trip

When I first arrived there was a welcome dinner where we were all able to meet most of the students from the summer program. All the students were recommended to download WeChat as soon as we arrived as a form of group communication and information. Throughout the two-week program we attended lectures about the Chinese financial markets, visited the famous sights of Beijing, and study trips to financial institutions.

There were so many great moments from the trip, but if I had to choose, my top experiences would be:

1: The people – I really liked all the students who participated in the program. They were all very smart, nice, friendly and enthusiastic about Chinese culture and the experience at Tsinghua University.  The bond among students became so strong that we still talk everyday using WeChat. Friendship will be the greatest asset you can get and the experience there was a turning point in my life.

2: The food – I enjoyed so many different kinds of authentic Chinese food, especially Beijing Duck and Dim Sum!

3: The university – Tsinghua campus is huge and very beautiful. PBC School of Finance buildings are located in a separate area, which is closer to the main Udaoku district, so it was very convenient for us to access all of restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls. In addition, a building for lecture and a cafeteria were all within just a 2-minute walk!

4: The city – Beijing is an amazing city with so many places to explore such as forbidden kingdom, the great wall, summer palace, wangpujing (a famous landmark for street food), hou hai (a big lake and surrounding bars/restaurants, best for night view), nan luo gu xiang (street food, boutique shops and historical buildings and houses), sanlitun (mostly for night life, bars and clubs), etc. Beijing is a melting pot, and the culture and the beauty of the historical sites as well as advanced education system are something that you have to see.
This experience was truly the best thing I have ever experienced in my life. I learned so much, besides the knowledge of Chinese financial markets in the country with one of the biggest economies in the world. Words cannot explain enough how great it was to be there in person, and it helped me to grow as a person.

This opportunity offered in partnership with the ICMA Centre is a rare chance to have both global and exotic experience and build a strong relationship with people from other countries. If you’re an ICMA Centre student and have never been to China, I would highly recommend you take this opportunity. This program offers more than you expect, with unforgettable memories, a special journey and great people!