When most students think of “campus life”, they picture lecture halls, cafeterias, and the inevitable pile of assignments. Yet, university life is not confined to books, research, or the bare essentials of the academic journey. It is also a ground rich with opportunities to broaden horizons, build connections, and experience moments that no textbook could capture.
For one UTAR student, stepping into Tsinghua University (THU) in Beijing, China, last February felt less like starting a semester abroad and more like moving into a mini city—complete with banks, shops, late-night classes, and even an ice rink. Her diverse experience became a crash course in living, learning, and laughing at one of the world’s top universities.
Aw (far left) guiding Prof Dato’ Ewe (far right) and UTAR Centre for Stem Cell Research Chairperson Dr Amy Saik Yi Hsan on a campus tour
Aw Wen Tong, a Bachelor of Finance (Honours) student from UTAR Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), embarked on her outbound study programme at THU School of Economics and Management (SEM) from 17 February to 23 June 2025.
Studying abroad requires a strong inspiration or motivation. Often, the pursuit of knowledge, self-betterment, and connections are the primary stimulus—and it goes without saying for Aw, who journeyed to the capital of China. “I believe that studying at THU would allow me to engage with talented students from around the globe, which would broaden my perspective and contribute to both my academic and personal growth. Besides, I’ve always been interested in living in China for a short period to experience the culture and explore the country’s many beautiful and historic locations,” Aw shared about her decision to study at THU.
During her four-month stay, Aw was introduced to a whole new culture and campus life—one filled with culture shocks but invaluable opportunities to grow beyond her own weltanschauung. It was here that she first encountered the ‘mini city’ atmosphere of THU and its distinctive class schedules.
“My first impression of student life at THU was that it’s very different from what I’m used to at UTAR. The THU campus is like a self-sustained community where you can take care of almost everything, ranging from meals, banking, sports, and even shopping, without leaving the university grounds. I was quite surprised by that!” Aw said.
She also noted the difference in class schedules. She said, “Some classes at THU go as late as 9.45pm, which I wasn’t used to at first. However, over time, I adjusted by shifting my daily routine to fit the local schedule. Overall, I adapted quite well to life in Beijing and found it to be an exciting and enriching experience.”
Aw often visited the library at the School of Law for her studies due to its proximity to SEM
Besides the difference in class schedule, Aw also observed a contrast in teaching approaches. At THU, lecturers were given more freedom to design their own courses, breathing new life into her fresh outbound study experience. “It felt more flexible in some ways,” she reflected.
Although she burned the midnight oil, Aw did not burn bridges—instead, she built them, connecting with peers from around the world. For her, meeting people from all over the world was an immutable joy. “It was fun learning about their cultures and making new international friends,” she commented.
Beyond the classroom, Aw’s voyage to Beijing was filled with explorations into China’s rich history. She visited world-renowned landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, and Forbidden City—sites she described as “even more impressive in real life than in the photos.”
With diverse faculties and recreations available at the THU campus, it was clear the ‘mini city’ that transcends tradition and modernity has more than just knowledge to offer—but also a vibrant campus life to fulfil the community wants of campus goers. In this end, Aw shared about her experiences trying out various extracurricular activities, from dipping her toes in ice skating to bonding with the campus community in a range of fun events.
She remarked, “I had a lot of fun cycling around the campus with the signature THU purple bikes. I even tried skating at the campus’s ice rink. One of the highlights of my outbound study was attending THU’s Global Village. It was such a lively and colourful experience. The event brimmed with booths from different economies, showcasing cultural performances, traditional clothes, food, and fun activities. Another activity I really enjoyed was the cross-cultural exchange organised by local students. It was super lively, and filled with food, games, and performances, creating a great opportunity for both local and international students to connect with one another.”
Aw (third row, third from right) with THU students at a cross cultural event
Aw at the gateway into THU’s history and economics excellence — the Old Gate (二校门) (left); and SEM’s entrance (right)
Echoes from around the world — the annual Global Village brimmed with not only crowds, but also joy and cultural diversity
Bicycles are the main choice of transportation on the THU campus — so much that even the Battalion Battle (THU’s club and society recruitment drive) was thronged with two-wheelers
Another highlight of her stay was guiding UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat during his visit to THU in March 2025. “Another highlight was giving Prof Dato’ Ewe a little campus tour. It felt nice to show him around and share my own experiences of the campus,” she said.
Has the cross-border study provided invaluable insights for her future developments? For Aw, the answer is a resounding yes. She said, “Personally, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and experience living in a different land—and I achieved that. Being in such a diverse and international environment helped me become more open-minded and confident. Academically, I hoped to experience a different teaching style and see how things work at a prestigious university like THU. The freedom and flexibility in how classes are conducted made me rethink how learning can be more engaging.”
She added, “More than that, my time at THU also gave me a clearer idea of the kind of environment I want for future studies or works—one that is dynamic, international, and open to novel ideas. It definitely influenced the way I think about my career and made me more interested in working in a global setting.”
Although Aw’s outbound study had officially concluded, her journey of lifelong learning has only just begun. Millions of stars fill the night sky, just as countless talents flourish across the world—and it is through encounters like these that horizons are widened, perspectives are reshaped, and aspirations are renewed.
“Don’t hesitate, just go for it. Be open to new experiences and try to step out of your comfort zone. Explore the campus, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and enjoy what Beijing has to offer. It’s a great chance to learn and grow both personally and academically,” Aw shared as words of advice for future travelling scholars.
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