As the 2025 academic year kick-starts, nearly 170 fresh international students embark on their academic and cultural journeys here at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU).
Why are international students choosing SYSU? What impressions do they have of Guangdong and life in China? Their stories shed light on the motivations and expectations driving this new chapter of cross-cultural exchange.
Lilit, a student from Armenia, will pursue a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature at Sun Yat-sen University. She said the university’s serene and eco-friendly campus environment helps her stay focused on her studies. She has also developed a fondness for Guangdong’s morning tea, which she described as even more delicious than the barbecue from her hometown.
Nanshan, an 18-year-old freshman from Thailand, is set to join the School of International Relations at SYSU. She learned about the university through her friends. Visiting Guangzhou for the first time, she was impressed by the beauty of SYSU’s teaching buildings.
Another freshman from Laos, who will study at the Business School, learned about SYSU online. She shared that walking into the lush, green campus always makes her feel energized and uplifted.
Benhui Yao, a new student from Laos, has chosen to major in Chinese Language and Literature at Sun Yat-sen University. Her father, Bin Yao, president of the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said many overseas Chinese parents prefer SYSU for its long history, global reputation, and strong influence among Chinese communities, as well as their family’s ancestral ties to Guangdong.
Her brother, Benyuan Yao, who has been studying in Beijing for three years, noted China’s rapid technological development and often guides his sister on daily conveniences such as ordering food delivery and purchasing train or flight tickets. The family also extended their best wishes for SYSU to continue thriving in its new century.
Additionally, a 19-year-old student from Indonesia will begin her studies in Business Administration at SYSU this year. She first learned about the university during her preparatory courses, where her teacher highly recommended SYSU, noting its strong reputation within the local Chinese community. She mentioned that the university's vast and beautiful campus is so expansive that she might get lost when she first arrives.
Tianci, a Pakistani international student, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Surgery at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), which he has long regarded as his “dream university.” After finishing his master’s program, Tianci aspires to continue his academic journey by pursuing a doctoral degree. He is particularly fond of SYSU's North Campus, praising its beautiful environment. As a campus with a large community of international students, it has become a place where Tianci connects with peers: in his free time, he often plays basketball and badminton with them. He greatly admires the diligence of the Chinese people, noting that this quality will drive China to achieve even greater development in the future. After finishing his master’s program, Tianci aspires to continue his academic journey by pursuing a doctoral degree.
With its top-tier academic standards, rich historical legacy, and cultural influence across Southeast Asia, SYSU continues to attract a large number of international students. Among the overseas Chinese community, the university enjoys an outstanding reputation and word-of-mouth acclaim. It is hoped that these international students will find a sense of home on the beautiful SYSU campus, dedicate themselves to their studies, and experience personal growth.
Video：Li Xinyang
