Hendrik, a student from Germany, arrived at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School this September. He is currently pursuing a Master of Finance at the HSBC Business School. His journey has taken him from traveling the globe to settling in Shenzhen, where he has discovered multiple layers of meaning in both his academic and personal life at PKU Shenzhen.
The Global Explorer
At 11:30 a.m., Hendrik arrives just on time at Starbucks. Punctual, efficient, and precise—this is likely many people's first impression of him. When he shares the MBTI test results from his phone, there's a tacit understanding that "it figures." As an ENTJ (the "Commander" personality type), he stands out in any crowd, and that holds true even among the international students from Germany.
Prior to this, Hendrik didn't know much about the MBTI and had only taken the test for this interview. As each letter's meaning was explained to him, he nodded frequently, reacting to every result with a sense of revelation. When asked which trait fit him best, he decisively chose "J" (Judging). This aligns with the traditional stereotype of Germans—organized, meticulous, and serious. Yet, Hendrik adds his own personal charm to this impression, offering a deeper look into what it means to be an international student at Peking University.
Hendrik often uses a "map" to describe his life's journey: growing up in the small German town of Neuss, participating in a high school exchange program in the United States, completing his undergraduate studies in Switzerland, and now opening a new chapter at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. His multicultural background has shaped his strong adaptability, and within just two months of the semester, he has fully integrated into both campus life and the city of Shenzhen. When asked why he chose China, he calls it "exploring a new map." Among the many coordinates that light up his world, this mysterious Eastern country became the natural choice for his master's studies. Hendrik smiles and says, "Of course, because Peking University is world-renowned." The all-English classes, his desired finance curriculum, and the outstanding academic environment made HSBC Business School his one and only firm choice.
Campus Views by Hendrik
The Focused Learner at HSBC
His experience at HSBC Business School differs from his undergraduate life in Switzerland, offering him a new set of rhythms, experiences, and challenges. "During my bachelor's in Switzerland, we primarily learned through self-study, with professors playing a more supportive role. Here, however, the professors ensure we attend classes on time and complete assignments. This actually makes me feel more secure and helps me grasp the knowledge more firmly," he notes. This structured approach happens to align perfectly with the "J" (Judging) trait in his personality, bringing greater order to his life.
The rigorous educational philosophy and solid expertise of the faculty at HSBC Business School have provided Hendrik with a fresh perspective on Chinese education. He also has distinct impressions of each course: "The learning environment really depends on the professor—each one has their own unique style. Of course, they all care deeply about whether we are truly absorbing the knowledge, with grades being the primary measure." Hendrik believes this teaching method has benefited him immensely. He even finds enjoyment in subjects like mathematics and data analytics, which often intimidate other students.
When asked about the most memorable course, however, Hendrik pauses briefly before choosing Chinese language class. "I know learning Chinese is a major challenge for many international students, but for me, it's essential for getting by here. I've devoted most of my energy to it," he explains. He has poured considerable effort into all four skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—and has kept pace with the class. "At the beginning, I sometimes didn't quite understand what the teacher was saying. Over time, I've understood more and more. Now, I can even laugh when the teacher cracks a joke in Chinese," he recalls, his smile radiating confidence and strength. "It's truly rewarding." As for a word that left a deep impression, he chooses "这个 (zhège, 'this')". "It's a very practical word, especially when ordering food in the cafeteria."
Hendrik reading in campus
The Competitor on the Green Pitch
As a goal-oriented and strong-willed ENTJ, Hendrik not only plans his time meticulously but also sets high standards for himself. Beyond his studies, he channels his ENTJ energy fully into the sports field. His favorite spot is the sports ground next to his dormitory, where he plays football weekly and often goes for runs. He is not only a member of the PKU Shenzhen football team but has also won medals for the university in running competitions.
"We train there every week for football. I also have a personal running habit and often jog on the track in my free time," Hendrik says with a smile. "It's just part of life." Every weekend, he participates in various football training sessions and sometimes competes as a representative of Peking University. "Not long ago, a coach invited me to represent Longhua District in a football match organized by Shenzhen City. It's incredible that they even have inter-district competitions here—Shenzhen constantly surprises me in many ways." Coming from a football powerhouse nation, Hendrik is deeply interested in such matches and gives his all each time. On the field, he is spirited and determined, sweating on pitches under a climate quite different from his hometown, actively writing his own chapter of youth.
Hendrik and his friends on the green pitch
A Global Campus, A Local Life
As a globally renowned top-tier institution with a cutting-edge academic environment, Peking University nurtures students who excel not only academically but also lead rich and varied lives beyond the classroom. At the HSBC Business School, known for its strong academic rigor and internationally-minded educational philosophy, international students gain diverse perspectives and explore new worlds. Hendrik, as one of these students, is no exception.
His way of exploring the city is often tied to sports. He showed me a map marked with various sports venues across Shenzhen, making it clear that exercise has become a true habit in his daily life. Of course, in his leisure time, Hendrik also goes out with friends and sometimes takes advantage of the Greater Bay Area's connectivity to visit Hong Kong and experience the local culture.
Hendrik sums up his life in China as "convenient, affordable, diverse, and tech-forward." He adds, "Online shopping, in particular, has been an eye-opener. It's hard to imagine ordering something today and having it arrive tomorrow or the day after." He recalls purchasing the HSK3 books he needed for his Chinese class on Taobao and receiving them on the exact estimated delivery date—a pleasant surprise even for this typically meticulous German. "In Europe, the online shopping cycle is much longer, and we're quite used to the wait. I didn't expect online shopping in China to be as fast and efficient as the rumors said—it arrives exactly when promised." Clearly, Hendrik enjoys his life here. The rapidly evolving technology and the convenience of daily life have shaped his own positive first impression of this once-unfamiliar country.
Campus Night Views by Hendrik
Regarding his future career plans, Hendrik states pragmatically that it will largely depend on opportunities. He is very willing to stay in China—whether in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, or other cities—to delve deeper and try his hand in his field. However, he remains open to other possibilities. "I could work in Europe or the U.S.," he says, "but I hope the work involves cross-border trade with China." Hendrik has his own insights and research on politics and policy and is confident he can shine in his future career while maintaining close ties with China.
"If another ENTJ student from Germany wanted to come to PKU Shenzhen for further studies, what advice would you give them?" When asked this, Hendrik thinks for a moment. "I think they first need to ask themselves: what do you want to gain from this experience?" He believes that while the academic strengths of universities vary widely, PKU Shenzhen is undoubtedly a top choice for career-oriented graduate programs. "If you want to work in the international market, especially in China-related cross-border trade, this is an excellent place to be. Here, you gain a more realistic and comprehensive economic perspective on both China and the global market."
"Describe life here in one word?" Hendrik smiles and answers quickly: "'Fulfilling.' Whether it's the courses, extracurricular activities, or exploring Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area, everything here has given me entirely new experiences." Indeed, many students would likely describe their life at PKU Shenzhen in similar terms—fulfilling, interesting, rich, with every day something to look forward to.
City Night Views by Hendrik
As an ENTJ, Hendrik exhibits many of this personality type's pronounced traits. Through this conversation, one might conclude that being interesting, driven by purpose, and pragmatic certainly rank among them. It is believed that within the inclusive and progressive environment of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Hendrik will find even more opportunities to enrich himself, complete his studies, and write a significant chapter for his own future.
