Learning and living in Beijing, China as an exchange student

Our fourth-year student, Lucile Belorgey went to Ren-Min University as an exchange student doing joint degrees of Chinese Studies and International Relations in 2024. Lucile succeeded getting the IR abroad place which is very competitive. She was one of the very first cohort of Chinese Studies in St Andrews who studied abroad. While she was there for one semester, she also took one Chinese language module. Two students from Chinese Studies even went for a visit while Lucile was in Beijing. Lucile would like to share her story with you.

"My semester abroad in Beijing last year was an unforgettable experience! Through the IR School Abroad programme, I took modules focusing on China's domestic and international politics along with Chinese language classes, and got to practice the language daily. Beyond academics, I found the most valuable learning opportunities came from adapting to a significantly different setting and engaging with the diverse group of students in my course, as well as locals. Experiencing China’s rich history and traditions firsthand, both in Beijing and during my travels across the country, was another highlight of my time there. This immersion not only deepened my understanding of Chinese society but also contributed to my personal and academic growth, making the experience truly rewarding."