Meet the 2024 batch: What has Global Business Journalism's new international students buzzing?

Welcome to the incoming international students of 2024!

By VICKI CHALERMLAPVORABOON

Global Business Journalism reporter

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting the new GBJ crew, and let me tell you, they’re an absolute delight. Naturally, I wondered how to get to know their plans and goals for their time at Tsinghua University and beyond.

With a little help from Zuza Bialas, a first-year Global Business Journalism international student from Poland, we collected some thoughts and comments in a Q&A. format Here’s what our newcomers shared about their plans and aspirations:

What do you look forward to the most in the Global Business Journalism program?

Elin Joënnson, Sweden: “I’m most looking forward to learning business journalism from journalists with insights straight from industry professionals and also making connections with brilliant minded individuals from all over the world.”

Jacky Ma, Singapore: “I’m excited to explore Tsinghua’s wide range of resources – club fairs, career guidance, and the gym culture. And I want to try all the cafeterias on campus!”

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Arina Lvova, Russia: “For me, Tsinghua is a chance to absorb opportunity, while also meeting people from different countries and learning more about their culture, stories.”

Bakhtawar Tauseef, Pakistan: “I'm excited about the program. I look forward to gain deep insights into global business trends and hands-on experience in business journalism.”

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Elena Huang, Argentina: “I’m most looking forward to establishing meaningful interpersonal relationships with my peers. I would like to grow with them, not only professionally but more so as a human being.”

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Salisa Vajrabhaya, Thailand: “I am excited to dive into the journalism area and learn from the experts in the field along with GBJ friends who share similar passions.”

Leila Worman, United States: “I’m looking forward to improving my Chinese and hope that will help me integrate easier.” 

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Viktoriia Markina, Russia: “I’m intrigued by the different educational approach here compared to Russia. Moreover, I have been studying Chinese culture for quite a long time at home, so being here I have the opportunity to get first-hand experience.”

Alex Guery, France: “I am looking forward to finally having Chinese classes, connecting with international friends and new Chinese friends, as well as diving into high quality classes.

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Rey Wong, Malaysia: “I am most looking forward to learning new and diverse ways of presenting stories, which will enhance my communication skills. Additionally, I’m excited to gain deeper insights into corporate communications to further my understanding of the field.”

Zuza Bialas, Poland: “At Tsinghua, I am eager to learn from top specialists in their fields. I cannot wait to explore the spectrum of research tools the University has to offer, like the Bloomberg Terminals. I am also extremely excited to work in such a culturally diverse team. I sincerely believe that upon graduation, I will feel ready to become a real journalist, and that is what I am looking forward to the most.”

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Emiel Bessem, Belgium: “I’m excited to learn how to become confident in myself to become a creative writer along with being able to carefully analyze a vast array of resources which I can use here at the Bloomberg Terminals to come to interesting research points.”

Jhane Cago, the Philippines: “I am ready to shift from writing academic papers and on conflict news to reporting for business news. I am particularly excited to upskill in finance and economics. I am excited to learn how different China’s perspective on media and communication will be.”

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Maria Arkhipova, Russia: “It’s my third week here and I’ve already met incredible people. I look forward to every part of the new journey I will embark on the next two years. I feel that these two years will change me and my life a lot.”

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How do you plan to make the most of your first year at the university or in China?

Elin: “I plan to dive into networking with professionals that I aspire to work alongside in the future. I’m also planning on entering this program with an open mind and to say yes to every opportunity where I can meet new people and learn from others.”

Jacky: “I want to figure out my career goal and make good use of Tsinghua’s resources. I’d also love to explore Beijing more.”

Arina: “China is such a vibrant and unique country in so many ways. So I hope to discover all the colors of this country: to visit different cities, to learn more about the people and their culture, and to taste the local food.”

Bakhtawar: “I plan to explore China's rich culture like the historical places, ancient hutongs, and China’s traditional markets. Especially the vibrant tea culture.”

Elena: “I intend to explore the city and immerse myself into Chinese culture as much as possible.”

Salisa: “I plan to explore Chinese culture and improve my language skills through classroom learning, making new friends, and traveling.”

Viktoriia: “I really want to learn the language and travel a lot. Visit different provinces of China, try as much local food as possible, try on national costumes of different nationalities and get to know the Chinese mentality better.”

Alex: “Eating all the food in every canteen.”

Rey: “To make the most of my first year, I plan to join various sports and activities to stay active and meet new people. I also hope to explore new places in China, and if possible, try hitchhiking for an adventurous and unique travel experience.”

Zuza: “I plan to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in different areas. I hope to improve my public speaking and communication skills. I will also join some of the clubs the University has to offer. I hope it will enable me to connect with people with similar interests to me and make friends for life.”

Emiel: “I am looking forward to interacting with a lot of Chinese culture, people (and food haha). I’m also part of the Christian church here in Haidian and hope to grow in my faith.”

Jhane: “In my first year, I want to join clubs where I could work as a media producer showcasing China’s advancements in the automobile, environment and technology sectors through videos and written articles.”

Maria: “I can’t wait to join clubs, go on field trips with the GBJ program and make acquaintances with Chinese and global companies from the business world. Most importantly, practice my Chinese, and get fully familiar with the campus (so I don’t get lost).”