The event was divided into two parts: “overseas student experience sharing” and the “advisory presentation”. In the “experience sharing” section, students who participated in USTB’s undergraduate exchange programs, the SAF summer courses, intercollegiate exchange programs, and graduate programs shared their stories. They had attended schools such as McMasters University in Canada, the University of California at Berkeley, Hokkaido University in Japan, Columbia University, and Tunghai University in Taiwan. Videos were also played of students studying at the University Queensland, Australia, who are participating in a 3+1+1 program, as well as a student studying at the University of Chicago in the U.S. In addition a presentation was given by a Taiwanese exchange student on their life in Beijing. Using slide shows and videos, the students shared their stories with humor, interjecting thoughtful exchanges to interest the assembled students and teachers. From their presentations one could glean a greater understanding of foreign education, and witness how the students had grown and matured in their studies.

 

Upon finishing the presentations Chancellor Lip and President Zhang both delivered their personal remarks.

 

Chancellor Luo spoke earnestly of his own experience studying abroad, saying how it used to be far more difficult to go abroad, but with the advance of modern conveniences it is imperative that students take the chance to study abroad to gain a global perspective and find opportunities for further self-development. Finally he encouraged students to be bold, determined, and open themselves to new experiences.

 

President Zhang spoke about how students go abroad in search of exotic experiences, and whether they pursue improving their learning or seek self-discovery, both paths are equally valuable. In recent years the number of students going abroad has increased, exceeding the university’s expectations, resulting in a “global” student body. He concluded by encouraging students to grow through new experiences.

 

During the “advisory presentation” a representative from the Graduate School discussed the programs for 2016 and answered students’ questions. In addition staff were on hand to discuss studying abroad options for students, answering their queries and helping them to prepare for their own student exchange experience.

 

The purpose of organizing the event, as was hinted at in President Zhang’s address, was to encourage students to consider studying abroad and gain greater understanding of the exchange programs available, helping students to consider forming a plan and prepare for studying abroad.