The Beijing Center

TBC Welcomes Fall Semester Students

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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. 

The exploration didn’t stop there—we headed to the Summer Palace. We entered through the botanical garden, where Fall Students Mars, Jen, and Thomas were able to admire the Chinese artistry in architecture, which is one of the youngest infrastructures in China, having been around for less than 200 years. Though the rain persisted, the adventure continued with a boat ride across the river, allowing us to continue our adventure in style. The highlight of the trip was the climb up the steep stairs to the highest point of the Tower of Buddhist Incense, a 131-foot-tall, three-story tower on a hill that is considered the Summer Palace’s symbol. Here, the students were rewarded with breathtaking views of the city. The day concluded with a hotpot dinner and a noodle-making show. To add a special touch, the staff surprised us with beautiful roses and snacks, making the experience even more memorable. We’re excited to see where their journey takes them; welcome to the TBC community!
In summary, Mars, Jen, and Thomas have had a fantastic introduction to life in Beijing, filled with cultural discoveries and new experiences. We eagerly anticipate the unique contributions they will bring to the TBC community!

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