Though today marks the beginning of spring classes, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School’s newest batch of international exchange students have been adjusting to their new lives in China since Thursday, February 16th. The breakdown this semester is 32 exchange at theHSBC Business Schooland 2 exchange students at theSchool of Transnational Law.
Greeted by international staff, campus advisors, and unusually warm weather for mid-February, students arrived to the Campus Service Center throughout the day for dormitory check-in. Each person received an orientation bag with materials like a survival Chinese guide, maps, a taxi direction card, and introductory information packets to help them get settled to the Nanyan campus. China Mobile was also on site so students could easily register for SIM cards. Later in the evening, students and staff alike boarded a bus to IKEA so everyone could make homes of their new accommodations.
The next day had a day packed of information for students, beginning with a presentation of the ins and outs of campus followed by a campus tour that took everyone to a the neighboring Pingshan village filled with street food and small shops. After a lunch break, staff explained the nuances of Chinese culture to help ease any potential culture shock, and general logistics for health checks and residence permits. In the evening, everyone walked back to Pingshan for a group dinner at Tianxin Shaokao where everyone had a taste of Chinese street barbecue.
Students toasting to a great semester in Pingshan village
The final leg of the orientation included going downtown to buy transportation cards and participate in a city-wide scavenger hunt. Students competed for Starbucks gift cards in the categories of most points and best picture.
The “Shenzhen Rangers” team at the Ping An Financial Tower
