A new academic year at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) has brought fresh energy to campus as over 100 international, exchange, and Extended Study Program (ESP) students, as well as interns from all over the globe, begin their journeys. From Indonesia and Italy to Mexico, the UK, and beyond, they’ve come together to start new chapters in the heart of the Greater Bay Area.
A five-hour flight brought Monika Wisan from Indonesia to China. Here at BNBU, she has begun a four-year journey as a university student. Although her previous visits to Hong Kong have familiarized her with the Greater Bay Area, it’s her first time living abroad on her own.
“The first week was super chaotic for us, as we have so much to prepare,” she laughed. However, she never feels alone. “I have made lots of new friends. People here are really friendly and welcoming, not only the students, but the staff and professors, so it made things easier.”
“My classes so far have been great, I have been following up the subjects well and understanding the lessons,” said Wisan. “Because all the classes are English-taught, and everyone feels included.” In the future, she looks forward to her full development both academically and personally, in the education of the liberal arts.
Before Lorenzo Monti, a second-year student from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), joined the ESP and arrived at BNBU, he had lived in Hong Kong for 19 years and was longing for adventures. After an immersive tour around BNBU in early March this year, he signed up for the program for a new experience.
“I just fell in love with the campus and its vibes during my visit,” shared Monti. “I also have a lot of love for China and new cultures. Thanks to the good partnership between the two institutions, I am excited to have my exchange journey here close to my home.”
Staying one semester, he immersed himself fully in the interdisciplinary atmosphere of BNBU by choosing courses in multiple fields, including data analytics, media, film and sports. “I hope I can learn more from my teachers, my peers and other students,” he said.
Being a major in Robotics and General Systems, Zoé Rebolledo decided to visit BNBU as an exchange student for a semester, which is half a world away from her home university, Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. “I had a lot of options, but China is the best for me to learn what I am most interested in, and I really love BNBU’s campus,” said Rebolledo.
“Before I came, I was worried because we heard that China’s universities have really high curriculum standards,” she continued. “But since I learned that BNBU’s professors are really friendly, I know it might be difficult in places, but not impossible.”
Learning Mandarin for four months, Rebolledo is looking for more connections to the place. Besides, intrigued by the world-famous Chinese movie star Jackie Chan, she looks forward to exploring more parts of China. “I would like to go to Xi’an and see the warriors, or go to Beijing and climb the Great Wall.”
Would you return to the place where you once studied abroad? For Joshua Cronin, the answer is definitely positive. Exchanged to BNBU in 2023, Cronin came back to the university after graduating from Swansea University in the UK, and this time, as an intern at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
“It’s the people and the facilities that brought me back. The students here are quite friendly and hard-working, and the facilities are well-equipped for leisure and for work,” said Cronin. Being no stranger to BNBU, he also witnessed the development of its Phase II campus. “I also lived in the Phase II campus last time, and I am amazed by its progress that it’s so well-constructed with a canteen and a gym.”
Once a student and now an intern at BNBU, Cronin makes a smooth transition between the two roles and finds one principle applicable to both scenarios. “Just make the first move,” he said, “and people here are more than happy to help you out.”
Together, the four represent just a glimpse of BNBU’s growing international community. As the new semester begins, they, and many more from around the world, are ready to learn, connect, and grow at a university where diversity and discovery go hand in hand.
