When I received the admission for my exchange at PKU Guanghua School of Management, I didn't know what to feel. On one hand, I was very happy because Peking University as the best elite university in China with its history, elite students, great campus as well as excellent reputation in business was my ultimate destination to spend my semester. On the other hand, due to China's COVID regulations, it was still uncertain whether I would be able to travel to China at all. But I ventured into the uncertainty, applied for a short-term visa, and booked my flight to China without being sure that I would get campus.

And I'm so happy and grateful that I dared and chose to come. The time at PKU was so eventful and formative. I not only got to know China better, but it also provided me the perspective of thinking differently, also getting know myself as a person from different lenses.

As a Chinese born and raised in Germany, I wanted to see and experience China on my own. When I first arrived here, it was exciting and overwhelming at the same time, the fast pace, the sensory overload, and the constant and dynamic changes every day. My dorm at the "global village", my roommate and the openness of the people here made me instantly feel welcomed, comfortable, and right like home in Beijing. I had the chance to get used to the fast pace, through the exchange with local students, adapt and eventually get into their mentality, and the Chinese culture in terms of relationships, work, and life.

Being surrounded by new friends from all over the world has been one of the most valuable things during my time here. The intense exchange of thoughts and ideas, different habits, life goals and the way they see the world has broadened my horizons and given me a different perspective on things. Although activities in Beijing was not fully open at that time, students were really making the most of campus life here: PKU cultural festival, late night runs with popular Chinese music on the sports track, Top Ten singers’ competition, public viewing of the World Cup... the variety of events made life on campus exciting and lively.

We played hard and worked hard too. One of my favorite things to start a productive day is a super early but amazing breakfast at the "Jiayuan" canteen. And then spending the whole day in the library while surrounded by hardworking and excellent people, which keeps me motivated. Guanghua's courses in various studies gave me a comprehensive understanding of the most current and relevant issues in the world. I really appreciated courses like "Doing Business in China", where I learned about the Chinese business environment and working culture, or "Marketing for Social Impact", which examine how companies can do good for society and the environment. These courses have taught me a lot about global businesses from academic and practical viewpoints trough real case studies, field trips to companies and interviews with management teams.

I would like to give special thanks to Sherry and Venus, the coordinators of the program, who made all this possible, were always there for us exchange students and did their best to guarantee us a smooth stay in Beijing! The time at PKU was concise for my life, and the learning, the impressions, the moments and people are really precious and unforgettable. It was my pleasure to have been part of this exchange program.

Thank you for everything,

Michelle Jessie Huang

University of Munich (LMU)