My semester abroad at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Semester Review - China Edition

It’s hard to believe how quickly this semester has passed. A semester full of adventures, new friendships, and personal challenges that I will not forget anytime soon.

Studying in China at the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was definitely a very different experience compared to studying in Germany. While my classes in Germany usually took place in small groups, in China I sometimes found myself in lecture halls with over a hundred students. The modules were divided into so-called lectures (100 minutes each) and tutorials (50 minutes). During the lectures, the content was taught to all students together, whereas in the tutorials, smaller groups deepened their understanding through quizzes (similar to Kahoot) or practical exercises. Although this system was unfamiliar at first, I really enjoyed it, as it combines theory and practice very effectively.

In addition to academic life, XJTLU offered an incredible range of leisure activities in the afternoons and on weekends. From trips to traditional tea fields to workshops where you could learn and try Chinese handicrafts yourself, there was something for everyone. These activities were not only a great way to experience Chinese culture, but also perfect for meeting other international students from all over the world.

To explore China beyond the classroom, I also joined several clubs. The variety was huge – from sports and language clubs to academic societies. I chose tennis and Guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument. I had never tried either before, but had always wanted to. Both activities were a lot of fun, and especially through the tennis club I was able to make many new friends.

Another great opportunity to explore the country were the public holidays in October as well as the semester break in December. Many students used this time to travel – and for good reason. China offers an incredible diversity: from spring-like weather in Kunming to a true winter wonderland in Harbin, and even desert landscapes in Inner Mongolia. One major advantage is the location of Suzhou, which is very well connected. By train, you can quickly reach nearby cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Nanjing – perfect for spontaneous weekend trips.

Looking back, I can say that during my semester abroad, I not only met wonderful international people but also very warm and humorous locals. They not only helped me improve my Chinese, but also showed me many special places that tourists would probably never discover. During this time, I learned so much about China, its people, and also about myself. If you decide to spend your semester abroad at XJTLU in Suzhou, China, I can only say: you can look forward to an amazing experience full of international encounters, cultural insights, and unforgettable moments.