Angel is a self-professed city girl from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Having lived in Malaysia all her life, Angel wanted to start fresh in a new environment. Through her high school teacher’s influence, Angel moved to China and started attending university at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).
In this interview, Angel shares what’s it like to live in China, the things that she is most impressed about in the country and her absolute favorite thing about BFSU.
Hi, please introduce yourself.
My name is Low Angel and I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The reason why I came to Beijing is mainly because of my high school teacher’s influence. She told me that Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) is a one-of-a-kind school and that the environment here is culturally diverse.
In addition, I wanted to be in a whole new environment. The school fees for a year in Malaysia are more or less the same in China so I chose to come here.
What program are you taking at BFSU?
I’m in my fourth year majoring in International Economics and Trade under the International Business School (IBS) at BFSU.
Is it your first time coming to China?
No, I’ve vacationed in China quite a few times before. However, it’s really different when you actually live here. Living here is a wonderful experience, you get to know more about the locals and how they do things.
What are some of your experiences while living in China so far?
Going to the subway is something that I still haven’t gotten used to. People move so fast and everybody’s in a rush, so you have to walk fast. Even when the Chinese people cycle on their mobikes, they are so fast that I can’t keep up. It’s really amazing.
The payment culture in China is impressive. When I go out, I don’t have to bring my purse only my phone. The mobile payment culture is unique to China.
Have you traveled to other parts of China?
Yes, I have been to Harbin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guangdong, and Suzhou.
Which city do you like the most and why?
If given the chance, I would stay in Guangzhou or Guangdong except during the winter, because these areas are really cold. I’m most comfortable in Beijing.
Do you hang out with a lot of Malaysian friends here in Beijing?
I have a perfect mix of international and Malaysian friends. During my first year at BFSU, there was only one other student from Malaysia and the rest were from other countries. Because of that situation, I have more friends from other countries than from Malaysia.
What do you think is the benefit of having more international friends?
The main benefit is I get to know more about different cultures and see the unique traits of every culture. I get to observe people, the differences in how we talk or deal with situations. For example, Dutch people are straightforward. You need to adjust and get used to it. They don’t have bad intentions so you have to know them as a person, where they are from, how they do things and how they talk.
How is your experience studying at BFSU?
The BFSU campus is so beautiful. There’s a pond where everybody gathers, and you can meet everyone there. Some of my friends who used to study in BFSU came back just to walk on the campus. The program that I’m taking at BFSU is also exemplary.
What is your plan for your future after graduation?
I plan to do masters if I can obtain a scholarship. I highly suggest that Malaysian students apply for a scholarship in China to get into BFSU. The BFSU campus also has a very international culture so it’s great to study here. Currently, I’m working in a company, and would like to get my work visa.
Any advice to students who are considering studying in China?
Be more patient when applying for scholarships. There might be a lot of procedures that you need to go through, so just be patient and you will get it, eventually.
BFSU is one of China’s oldest language universities offering the biggest numbers of language programs and providing quality education to students at different levels.
The International Business School (IBS) at BSFU is a young and dynamic school that aims to provide high-end, pragmatic and innovative business concepts balanced with the best foreign language and cross-cultural capabilities.
Gain an understanding of how Chinese markets operate on a global scale and equip yourself with innovative and practical skills in business at BFSU-IBS. Join an exclusive network of business elites from around the world – start your application with China Admissions.
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