My Exchange at Peking University
My application for an exchange at Peking University was a frantic, last-minute decision that has had a profound and lasting impact on my University experience.
I found out about the opportunity through a regular conversation with a friend. Previously, I had never considered going on an exchange. But after hearing about the experiences of many alumni, I could not resist the opportunity to live and study abroad.
Living abroad is not easy. Even moreso in a country with so few similarities and so many differences from home. Beijing is an enormous and busy city with a mostly homogenous population. Its rich history has created a deeply entrenched way of thinking and acting. This was certainly different, but not necessarily a drawback. Approaching life in China with an open mind will allow you to indulge in a fascinating and sophisticated culture.
Technology was another important difference. China is essentially a cashless society, with most transactions conducted through mobile apps. Simple tasks such as opening a bank account, ordering food, or booking tickets will be exponetially harder because of the language barrier. However, the locals are very generous with their time and always willing to help. Some of my classmates spoke zero Mandarin and were able to get around.
Peking University is one of China’s oldest and most respected educational institutions. The Yan Yuan campus is massive and breathtaking year round. Words cannot do it justice – it is truly a privilege to study there.
In terms of highlights, I was blown away by the food, historical sites, and the endless list of things to do. Initially, I found the food too authentic for my taste buds which were accustomed to Westernised Chinese cuisine. Yet after months of the most delicious meals, there is nothing I crave more after returning to Aotearoa.
I strongly encourage an exchange at Peking University to anyone with an interest in China. The challenges of living in a foreign country should not be understated. But it is a rewarding and enriching experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and look back on fondly.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
How close I got with my classmates.
Each class had ~15 students and we all took the same English-taught law courses. By the end of the semester we were an incredibly close group. As we were all international students in China, our class represented over 10 different countries. I throughly enjoyed the cultural exchange and love the fact that I now have friends from all over the world.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Golf.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. Have WeChat and Alipay installed before you arrive
2. Check the Air Quality and wear a mask when needed
3. Be careful of street food
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
6000 RMB per month for rent. 3000 RMB for living expenses.
My rent was 9000 RMB per month. Living expenses were lower than 3000 RMB per month.
Unlike rent in NZ, there seems to be no baseline for cost / quality in China. It seems possible to get something for extremely cheap, however I personally would not recommend looking for places below 6000 RMB per month.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
Learning about China, Norway and Brazil from my friends.