On January 3, the International Cultural Exchange School (ICES) celebrated the closing ceremony for students completing their Chinese Language programs this fall. We caught up with Marcus McMahon from Australia and Fengli Bottema and Renze Van De Putte from the Netherlands to hear about their experiences studying Chinese at Fudan.
Marcus McMahon (孟凯思), Australia
“Fudan University is an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn Chinese and immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Studying here isn’t just about mastering a language—it’s about experiencing life in one of China’s most exciting cities while being part of a top-tier academic institution. The language program is well-structured, with experienced teachers who are not only skilled educators but also genuinely supportive and encouraging. The campus itself is vibrant and well-equipped, offering an ideal environment for both focused study and social interaction.”
A defining moment in my time at Fudan...
At the Opening Ceremony for International Students in February 2024, I gave a speech in Chinese, representing the entire international student cohort. At that time, my Mandarin wasn’t very strong, but I gave it my all, knowing how important the moment was. Since then, I have worked hard to improve my Mandarin skills, and looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It was a privilege to have been chosen, and the experience remains a defining moment in my time at Fudan.
I can't praise the campus facilities enough..
The collaborative environment on campus makes studying here both productive and enjoyable. I especially appreciate the canteens and libraries, where it’s easy to meet classmates, study together, or just take a break and chat. These spaces naturally bring people together, creating a balance between work and social life that makes university life more fulfilling.
In my free time, I ventured a bit further...
Outside of university, one of my most memorable experiences was traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain, 黄山). The stunning landscapes, with peaks, ancient pine trees, and mist rolling over the mountains, felt like scenes straight out of a painting. Hiking the trails and watching the sunrise from one of the famous viewpoints was an unforgettable experience. Along the way, I had the chance to chat with locals who were also climbing, giving me a great opportunity to practice my Chinese in a natural setting. Those conversations, paired with the incredible scenery, made the trip even more meaningful and gave me a deeper appreciation for both China’s landscapes and its people.
Fengli Bottema (冯东丽), Netherlands
“I’ve been feeling welcomed by everyone I met here. Our teachers were very motivated to teach us not only about language but also about Chinese ways and beliefs. If you even want to take on more tasks or a higher level as a challenge, you have enough freedom and professional support to do so. I would encourage everyone who wants to make steps in their process of learning Mandarin, to join the programme.”
Life in Fudan was even more vibrant than expected...
It was interesting to get a grasp of a part of the university life here and to compare it with what I’m used to in my home country. I was impressed to see so many student groups for all different kind of interests at the student fair beginning of the year. There were for example groups focusing on Chinese tea, Hanfu, Chinese calligraphy, all kinds of sports and games like mahjong.
I really liked that Fudan had some cultural activities such as the 瓦当拓印— Tile Rubbing workshop that I attended. Some of my friends also had the chance to make mooncakes in another workshop. I think these activities really add to the learning experience about Chinese culture.
Fudan is located in the heart of Shanghai...
The city is very comfortable for people who are interested to live or study abroad in China. It has everything to offer if you are interested in Chinese culture, language and business but it also has a lot of influence from other cultures which make it that it has something to offer to everyone. There is always something new to discover or do. People are often very nice to people from abroad even more if you try to speak a bit of broken Mandarin.
Renze Van De Putte (江光), Netherlands
“Do you like an environment of internationally oriented people who are very willing to practice Mandarin with you but can also communicate in English in important situations? Do you like not having to worry too much about northern 儿化音? Do you like a city with people from all corners of China and getting used to any Chinese accent? Do you like living in a modern city and enjoying all the services that come with that? Then you should absolutely come to Fudan University!”
I chose to study in China because...
China is that it is one of the most powerful countries in the world, with a first class sized economy， population, and large global influence. Yet, at the same time, it is a country that is, in many ways, quite different from the part of the world I’m used to. This makes China both an incredibly interesting place to learn about and an incredibly important place to learn about.
What I like most about Fudan is...
The students at Fudan University! They are all very friendly and eager to meet and be friends with foreigners. I think it has never been easier in my life to make new friends. The language program at Fudan University is well organised and well taught.
I had some quite interesting experiences...
For my birthday, I went to a hotpot chain called 海底捞 with my twin brother and mom. They offered unique birthday services, like dancing with noodles, singing a birthday song, taking a picture and framing it, and even a birthday cake.
We'll always cherish the smiling faces from the ceremony. We hope the knowledge the students have gained and the connections they’ve made at Fudan will leave a lasting impact on your lives. The spring semester is just around the corner, starting in a little over a month, and we’re excited to welcome a new group of students from around the world.
Though applications for Spring 2025 have closed, you can still access the Admissions Brochures through the following links.
Chinese Language Program: https://bit.ly/41eu8Or
Chinese Economy & Business Program: https://bit.ly/3CW0cg0
Chinese Culture & Society Program: https://bit.ly/3Z7WIOE
Stay tuned for details to be released for Fall 2025 language programs later in the spring semester at https://iso.fudan.edu.cn/isoenglish/wonwwegree/list.htm
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Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Editors: LI Yijie, WANG Mengqi
Ceremony photographer: GU Aimin
