Yang Mei yangmei_szdaily@163.com MUNEEB AHMED, an exchange student from Munich, Germany, found himself immersed in technological innovation and cultural discovery during his fall 2024 semester at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS). Ahmed, who had observed China’s rapid development from afar for years, sought an exchange experience that would be “entirely new and different.” Ahmed’s interest in startups and technology drew him to Shenzhen, a city that immediately offered a “sensory overload” upon his arrival. He recounted a breathtaking drone show that painted a world map with “SHENZHEN” highlighted. Later he saw the same technology used for commercial purposes, with Huawei launching their newest phone through a massive aerial advertisement hovering above the city. “The sky itself had become another advertising space, something I’d never seen before,” Ahmed noted. The SIGS campus, located within University Town in Xili, Nanshan District, provided an enriching academic environment. Ahmed, with a background in management and computer engineering, appreciated the opportunity to diversify his knowledge through various courses. He highlighted the supportive learning environment fostered by smaller class sizes, which allowed for better interaction with professors and peers. The curriculum, based on weekly submissions and practical exercises, helped reinforce concepts effectively. Beyond academics, The SIGS International Students and Scholars Center (SIGS ISSC) played a crucial role in Ahmed’s cultural immersion. The SIGS ISSC organized trips to rural areas surrounding Shenzhen, offering participants a stark contrast to the city’s high-tech landscape, and facilitated participation in various Chinese cultural experience activities. According to Ahmed, a visit to the Dunhuang Mural Digital Art Exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning was particularly memorable because it connected him to centuries of China’s artistic heritage. Ahmed mentioned that his culinary journey through China was equally indelible, describing every meal as an “exploration of new flavors, textures, and cooking techniques.” Shenzhen’s excellent connectivity also made it an ideal base for broader exploration of China. He traveled to Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Dali, Pu’er, Wuhan, and Chongqing, each city offering unique perspectives on China’s diverse regions. Reflecting on his semester, Ahmed emphasized how the experience broadened his worldview, fostering adaptability and a deeper appreciation for cultural differences and similarities. What began with simple requests for help translating cafeteria menus on campus often evolved into meaningful friendships, transforming an initially alien environment into a “second home.” “China became more than a destination — it became a lens through which I could examine my own assumptions and a catalyst for personal growth,” Ahmed stated. As he prepared to return to Munich, Ahmed expressed certainty that the impact of his time at Tsinghua SIGS would continue to shape his personal and professional journey. “The memories, friendships, and insights gained at Tsinghua SIGS have become an indelible part of who I am, and I can’t wait to come back and explore more of this beautiful country,” he concluded. | 