A University in Paradise: Zhejiang University

Founded in 1897 and one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in China, Zhejiang University has the reputation as the "Cambridge of the East." It has always been one of the top universities in China, in terms of its comprehensive academic strength in teaching, research and facilities. In September of 1998, a new Zhejiang University was established on the basis of amalgamation of the four former individual universities, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Agricultural University and Zhejiang Medical University, all located in the garden city of Hangzhou. Endowed with a pleasant climate, picturesque surroundings and a favorable academic atmosphere, Zhejiang University is an ideal place for teaching, research and learning.

Edwige Kamitewoko, a doctoral student from Congo, studies economics at Zhejiang University Economics School.

ZHEJIANG AND I

By EDWIGE KAMITEWOKO (Congo)

In September 2001, I flew from Africa to Zhejiang to study for my Ph.D. I thus started my life of studying abroad, and also my special relationship with Zhejiang. Since then I have become a postdoctoral student in Zhejiang University.

"In heaven there is paradise, and on earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou." That is true. When first arrived in Hangzhou, I was struck by its beauty. Hangzhou, a city about 180 kilometers from Shanghai, situated on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in east China, is the provincial capital and also political, economical and cultural center of Zhejiang Province. Today, it has become an international tourist city that opens its arms to people from different parts of the world, making it one of China's busiest resorts.

The best sightseeing spot in Hangzhou is, of course, Xihu (West Lake). As Su Shi described in his poem, the beauty of West Lake lies in its lasting charm which is constant throughout the changes of season, weather, and time of day. West Lake is as beautiful as a painting. Hangzhou cuisine is also very well known. Its seafood, like fresh crabs sauteed in garlic and ginger dominates every restaurant menu. There is also a mouth-watering dish comprising spare ribs covered in a caramelised sauce, as well as West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Pork Dongpo Style, Longjing Shrimp, and Aunt Song's Fish Soup.

Zhejiang is not only a marvelous scenic travel destination, but also the place of higher education. Engineering is its speciality; and it also offers humanities, science, economics, management, and arts courses. Zhejiang University, where I am studying, is one of the top universities in China. It has always been ranked among its elite universities, and is the most comprehensive institution of higher education in teaching and research in China.

I'm studying economics at the Zhejiang University Economic School, which was established in June 1999. At this school we have an International Economics and Trade department, Public Finance department, Public Administration department, and a Finance and Banking department.

Zhejiang University has already registered more than 1,000 foreign students. In order to ensure we have a good living and learning environment, the school allocates us each a one-bedroom apartment with a shared kitchen. The Chinese idiom "a home away from home" aptly describes the set up.

The people of Zhejiang are another reason why I feel at home. It is easy to make friends here, and they help me a lot. If I have any difficulties, these friends always help me out. I am really grateful to them. I often invite them over, or we go out together. During my spare time, I also participate in games organized by the Zhejiang University students.

I still have more than one year to do on my Ph.D. After I graduate, and return to my own country, I will always remember my wonderful life at Zhejiang University. I will come frequently to China often to visit Zhejiang or do business.

Li Shanmei from South Korea poses in front of the International Education building of Zhejiang University.

Zhejiang, My Second Home

By LI MEISHAN (South Korea)

Each time I left Zhejiang, I hoped that I could return as quickly as possible. During the past four years, I have left and returned again and again. It seems to me that Zhejiang is my second home.

Four years ago, when I first arrived in Zhejiang I never expected to stay here for long. I didn't like its climate and food. But strangely, as time passed, and classmates and friends that I made here graduated and left, I changed a lot. I can't help smiling when I think of everything that has happened at Zhejiang University.

In spring of 2000, my application to study at the International College of Zhejiang University was approved, and I excitedly began my new life at Zhejiang University. I went with my Korean friends to West Lake to celebrate our new life in China, and I can't describe how happy I felt. However, the picturesque scene was spoiled by continuous rain, and it was then that I became homesick.

I worried a lot about my studies, so spent most of my time on them. Otherwise, I tried to fit into Hangzhou. During weekends, friends and I traveled to all the best scenic spots of Zhejiang, went to the commercial sector downtown to witness China's rapid development, visited secret alleyways to search out historic relics, and tasted all kinds of delicious Zhejiang dishes. During vacations, Shaoxing, Ningbo, Wenzhou and Zhoushan were our adventure destinations. Walking around the Lu Xun Memorial, sitting in the quiet garden of Tianyige, hearing the Bukenqu guanyinyuan bell ring and seeing my face mirrored in the pure water of the Nanxi River made me admire Zhejiang's beauty and outstanding people.

I became interested in Chinese culture when I was a child. During my four years of study and travel, I gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. One thing that surprised me was how the development of economy and culture could be so harmonious in Zhejiang. I had been to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, but I still prefer Zhejiang. I often wrote to my mother, sending photos of Zhejiang, showing her this beautiful place. She was very interested and came to visit me with some relatives. I became a tour guide and showed them around Hangzhou. They were surprised at the beauty of the city and appreciative of Hangzhou as a place "with gorgeous mountains and rivers, as well as well-educated and rational people." I felt very proud of the beauty of Zhejiang, as well as my chance to study here.

My study life is colorful and busy. When my Chinese improved, I began to do part-time work as a translator. Zhejiang was developing very rapidly, and many Korean companies have invested here, so now there are even more opportunities to find translation jobs.

My experience at Zhejiang University will benefit me for my whole life. I have learnt from professional teachers at the university, and I also enjoyed my travel around China that showed me how rapidly China is developing. My experience from part-time jobs also give me confidence for the future.

In four years, I have made trips between Korea and Zhejiang more than ten times. However, each time I was in Korea, Zhejiang was in my dreams; when back in Zhejiang, I would smile at being "home." 

Zhejiang University Foreign Students

States	North America	Europe	Asia	South America	Africa	Oceania	Total
number	114	177	1115	15	69	33	1523

Courses	undergraduate	graduate	doctoral	General visiting students	Senior visiting students	preparatory	Short courses	Total
numbers	198	75	58	42	28	978	144	1523