As China’s global influence grows, so does its reputation as a top destination for higher education. In this interview, Alifia, a PhD student at Fudan University, shares her personal journey of studying in China and why she believes it’s a life-changing decision.
Alifia is originally from Indonesia and previously completed her Master’s at Tsinghua University. Now pursuing her PhD in Public Management at Fudan, she offers an inside look at what it’s really like to study in China and how it’s shaping her future.
Why Study in China?
Alifia’s decision to study in China was driven by her background in journalism and her desire to understand global trends. Working as a journalist in Indonesia, she noticed China’s rapid rise as a global economic powerhouse and saw studying there as a unique opportunity to tap into these emerging trends.
“I was inspired by books like The Miracle of East Asia and The Rise of Asia,” Alifia shared. “China is the second-largest economy in the world, and I wanted to be part of that growth.”
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The Benefits of Studying in China: A World-Class Education
Alifia has studied at two of China’s top universities: Tsinghua University for her Master’s and Fudan University for her PhD. Both universities provided her with high-quality education, access to top professors, and invaluable networking opportunities.
“Tsinghua is not only one of the most beautiful universities in the world, but the professors there are top-tier experts,” she said. “I was able to connect with professionals from organizations like the WTO and participate in global projects during Indonesia’s G20 presidency.”
Cultural Experiences While Studying in China: More Than Just Academics
Studying in China isn’t just about academics. Alifia described how living in China has profoundly influenced her lifestyle and values. She admires the disciplined, health-focused lifestyle of the Chinese people and has integrated those habits into her own life.
She also emphasized the importance of learning Chinese: “Even though my program is in English, learning Chinese has opened up so many opportunities for me. It’s becoming a global business language.”
Tips for Future Students Studying in China
Alifia had some great advice for anyone thinking about studying in China, especially as an international student:
- Learn Chinese: Even if your classes are in English, she highly recommends learning some Chinese. It’s not just helpful for getting around daily life, but it can also open up so many more opportunities, both socially and professionally. Plus, as she says, “It’s really cool to be able to speak another language!”
- Get Involved: Alifia encourages students to dive into campus life—join activities, build friendships, and make the most of everything the university has to offer. Whether it’s networking events or academic resources, being part of the community can enrich your experience in ways you wouldn’t expect.
- Stay Open-Minded: Living in a new country means you’ll encounter different ways of thinking and doing things. Alifia advises students to be flexible and open to new experiences—this mindset will help you adapt and grow during your time abroad.
In this episode, we dive deeper into Alifia’s story and explore why studying in China could be a great opportunity for international students. Watch the full interview below!
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