A group of LSE students who will be studying in China next academic year attended a pre-departure information session at the Chinese Embassy in London on 31 January 2024.
Organised by the Education Section of the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Global Opportunities (GO) LSE team, the session aimed to prepare students for their upcoming study abroad experience in China.
In her opening remarks, Minister Counsellor Zhang Jin of the Chinese Embassy emphasised China's commitment to academic and cultural exchange with the UK. Mark Hoffman, Dean of the LSE General Course and Global Mobility, thanked the Embassy for their support of LSE students and highlighted the longstanding partnership between LSE and institutions in China.
Second-year BSc International Relations and Chinese student, Alice Porcu, who studied at Fudan University in Shanghai last summer, gave a speech in Mandarin and English about her experiences in China. She spoke about initial challenges that led to a rewarding experience.
Officials from the Embassy's Education Section delivered a pre-departure presentation covering a range of topics, including life in China and the visa application process. After a Q&A session the event concluded with afternoon tea and an opportunity for the students to interact with the Embassy officials.
This was the second year the Chinese Embassy had delivered a predeparture session for LSE students but the first time it had been hosted in-person. With many of the students reporting how valuable they had found it, the Embassy staff expressed their enthusiasm for making it an annual event.