On the campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, there is a vibrant and enthusiastic international student. Her name is Sydney, and her Chinese name is Xin Ni. This 23 - year - old American girl, like a bird chasing its dreams, crossed the ocean and landed on this land full of opportunities and challenges, kicking off a unique and wonderful chapter of her international student life at Shanghai Jiao Tong University...
Featured Individual
Sydney Jasmine Sharafi (Xin Ni)
Antai College of Economics and Management, majoring in Business Administration (International Business)
Bachelor's degree in the University of Michigan
Part 1. Crossing the Ocean to Challenge Oneself
Sydney is infused with the essence of diverse cultures. Her parents hail from Iran and the United States respectively. Such a family background exposed her to different ways of thinking from an early age. Like a seed, nurtured by diverse cultures, it planted the roots of curiosity about the world and enthusiasm for different cultural phenomena in her heart at a tender age. The United States, a melting pot that brings together people, languages, and backgrounds from across the globe, further shaped her open - minded and inclusive character, fueling her insatiable desire to explore global affairs and experience the allure of different corners of the world.
With a yearning for the unknown world and a determination to challenge herself, Sydney resolutely chose China as the destination for her study - abroad journey. "I want to see a brand - new world I've never been to and experience a completely new culture with all my heart," she said. She was eager to deeply explore the differences between Eastern and Western cultures and witness the unique features of this ancient yet modern country with her own eyes. And Shanghai, as a global business hub, was undoubtedly an ideal city for her to pursue her business studies. Here, she firmly believed that she could gain a better understanding of the global business landscape and lay a solid foundation for her future career development.
Among the numerous outstanding universities in Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University attracted Sydney with its outstanding academic reputation and unique educational resources. Enrolling in the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to pursue a Master of International Business (MIB), Sydney embarked on an in - depth exploration journey in her professional field. The MIB program is specifically designed for international students, with courses focusing on global business practices. It places particular emphasis on teaching Chinese language, Chinese culture, and Chinese business practices. In the current era of globalization, as China's influence on the global stage continues to grow, Sydney is well aware of the importance of mastering Chinese business thinking and behavior patterns. She firmly believes that this program will help her realize her dream of understanding global affairs and focusing on cross - border business.
Part 2. Studying at SJTU and Roaming China
During her study life at SJTU, Sydney is like a sponge, eagerly absorbing the nectar of knowledge. She has a special fondness for the Organizational Behavior course. This course delves deep into areas such as human resources, personality, and leadership styles, as if opening a door for her to gain insights into human nature and management wisdom.
In addition, the Management course has also benefited her greatly, teaching her how to become an outstanding leader in the ever - changing business environment, how to guide enterprises to adapt to the changes of the times and avoid being phased out. Every class is a step for her growth, and she keeps climbing in the palace of knowledge, pursuing a higher realm of wisdom.
The campus life at SJTU unfolds before Sydney like a colorful scroll. She is amazed by the convenient lifestyle in China. Various apps like Gaode, Hello Bike, and Meituan have made her life incredibly convenient. Ordering food via mobile phone allows her to enjoy delicious food anytime, anywhere. She exaggeratedly joked, "My screen time has skyrocketed from three hours to twenty hours." Sydney believes that "digital life is indeed more convenient, but we still need to consciously control the time spent on the phone."
In her spare time, Sydney is enthusiastic about outdoor travel. She loves embracing nature and enjoying the sense of connection between herself and the world. She went to Chengdu to experience the charm of pandas. "Pandas are so cute, but Sichuan cuisine is too spicy. The food in Shanghai suits my taste better. I prefer sweet - flavored food."
Back in Shanghai, she shuttles between the zoo, botanical garden, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, exploring the mysteries of nature and humanity. Strolling through the streets and alleys of Shanghai, she tastes special delicacies like beef patties and pancakes, savoring the unique flavor of this city. When it comes to her favorite places, Sydney smiles and says they are "Meituan lockers" and the school playground. "There are usually a lot of people on the playground, but everyone quietly does their own thing. I like to take a walk on the playground, look up at the starry sky, and feel this sense of tranquility and peace."
At SJTU, Sydney has deeply experienced the collision and integration of cultures. She has studied and exchanged in South Korea and Japan, learning about the living habits of some East Asian countries. However, some cultural phenomena in China still surprise her. She has noticed significant differences in lifestyle between China and the United States. For example, there are fewer sidewalks in the US, and driving is more common. In Shanghai, she can enjoy the pleasure of city - walking, and shared bikes have become her convenient means of transportation. She said with a smile that she hadn't ridden a bike much for ten years before coming to China. To adapt to life here, she specifically learned to ride a bike with a friend.
In addition, the pace of life in China is faster. "Some tasks come in a hurry, leaving me with not much preparation time," which is different from her style of planning in advance. But she is also actively adjusting to adapt to the new rhythm.
In this multicultural family of SJTU, Sydney has felt the enthusiasm and friendliness of Chinese students and made many good friends from different majors. By chance, she had a warm conversation with a girl majoring in law because of a cute kitten and they became close friends ever since. These cross - major friendships not only enrich her campus life but also broaden her horizons, allowing her to understand Chinese culture and history from different perspectives.
Sydney also highly praises the rich learning resources provided by the school for students. The student handbook is like a considerate guide, introducing in detail various aspects of information such as the enrollment process, visa application, insurance issues, and dormitory arrangements, relieving many concerns of international students. "I think this is really great. In the US, students usually have to rely on themselves to search for this information on Google. In contrast, the meticulous care of SJTU makes her feel very warm."
Part 3. Looking Ahead While Enjoying the Present
Sydney loves planning for the future, considering arrangements for the next semester, the next year, or even several years in advance, including choices of internships and study - abroad opportunities, as well as financial planning. However, she mentioned that while planning is crucial, one should also learn to live in the moment and strike a better balance between plans and actions while enjoying the present.
For classmates who are not good at planning or are in a confused period, Sydney suggests that when you don't know what to do, you can start by taking action. "If you don't know what your goal is, first figure it out. Live in the moment. Then, when you know what you want, start planning and take action." "But it's important to live in the here and now," Sydney said with a smile, holding up the chocolate cake in her hand. "Let's enjoy the cake first."
As a student with rich study - abroad experience, Sydney also offers valuable advice to junior students. For international students, she emphasizes taking it step by step. When applying to schools, carefully understand all the requirements and familiarize yourself with the application process to avoid mistakes due to insufficient information. Facing the various challenges brought by the new environment, be patient, learn to adapt, and don't put too much pressure on yourself all at once. Regarding learning methods, Sydney appeals that one should not merely be satisfied with curiosity but actively explore the answers. She recalled her curiosity about China's 996 work culture. Her teacher encouraged her not to be limited to Google searches but to observe and experience it firsthand. "My teacher told me, go out, see when they get off work in the city center. Observe, experience it personally, and talk to people with first - hand experiences. I'm convinced that nothing can compare to the profound feeling you get from talking to someone and gaining their experiences."
When it comes to her future career plans, determination shines in Sydney's eyes. She is extroverted and loves teamwork, eager to show her skills in fields such as public relations, human resources, or marketing. She hopes to stay in China after graduation and work for a multinational international non - governmental organization, applying the knowledge and skills she has learned in China to practice. At the same time, she will continue to improve her Chinese proficiency and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. "Especially as I'm growing fonder of the people and culture here, so I'm really willing to stay when I graduate in two years." But Sydney also emphasizes that she is willing to keep an open mind and embrace various challenges and opportunities in the future. "If opportunities take me elsewhere, then I'll go where the opportunities are. And for now, my opportunity lies in China, in Shanghai."
Sydney's study - abroad life at SJTU is an adventure full of challenges and opportunities, a journey of cultural integration and self - growth. She is like a brave navigator, cutting through the waves in the ocean of knowledge and building bridges in cultural exchanges. Her story inspires more students to bravely pursue their dreams, shine brightly in the collision of diverse cultures, and write their own wonderful chapters in a foreign land. The future path may be full of uncertainties, but Sydney will surely, armed with the knowledge, friendship, and growth she has gained at SJTU, march firmly into the broader world, continuing to chase that bright dream light.
