This week, TBC was pleased to welcome Fall Semester students Mars, Jen, and Thomas! We are thrilled to have them join us this fall as they embark on an exciting academic journey in Beijing. Their introduction to TBC began with a comprehensive orientation led by Simon, our executive director, and Queenie, our VP of student affairs. They covered the academic program of TBC and the essentials of student life at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), our host university.
After the orientation, we provided them with a welcome package, including TBC merchandise, SIM cards, and student IDs. They toured TBC headquarters and participated in ice-breaking activities to discuss their motivations for coming to China, ranging from business to culture and art. Later, we toured the UIBE campus and stopped by the delivery lockers, where they learned how to take their items out. This tour allowed them to familiarize themselves with their surroundings and key facilities, giving them a sense of the history and community they are now a part of.
In the following days, orientation focused on setting expectations and gathering their first impressions of China. With the guidance of TBC staff and interns, the students successfully set up their bank accounts and linked them to China’s payment platforms, WeChat and Alipay, making their stay in Beijing smoother. During their follow-up orientations, they also discussed academic policy and regulations as well as the credit and grading system.
Later in the week, we ventured out to nearby malls. First, we visited a store where they can find different foods and snacks. For lunch, they tried different dishes like curry and beef noodles. Although it was pouring rain, that was just part of the adventure, because later they visited a popular supermarket with two floors to explore. They found exciting fruits and veggies they hadn’t seen before. Also, they found some items they needed for daily use and familiarized themselves with the area around the school.
Art often bridges the past and present, connecting us to centuries-old traditions while sparking deeply personal creativity. My recent experience in a Chinese Arts and Culture class beautifully encapsulated this idea.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a volunteering activity that left a deep impression on me. It was a day dedicated to cultural exchange, creativity, and a wonderful reminder of the vibrancy of tradition — both Chinese and beyond.
The past few weekends have been some of the most exciting of the entire semester, full of trips to the zoo, mountain hikes, ancient parks, and more! Our first trip out of many was a visit to the Beijing Zoo. I had mentioned earlier in the semester that I wanted to see some pandas, since I was in China after all, and our TBC friend Andy made it happen.
Last year, The Beijing Center (TBC) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner that was not just about marking a milestone but about embodying the Jesuit tradition of service and community impact.