Zhou Yifan

University of International Business and Economics, Beijing

Growing up in a Chinese-Italian family in Italy, Zhou, 22, has always been fascinated by the idea of studying in China. So when an opportunity presented itself four years ago, he went for it.

Zhou is now a senior majoring in international business at the University of International Business and Economics. During the past four years, he has explored China and met many local people, as well as enjoyed the colorful campus life and opportunities, including being a volunteer for the Beijing Winter Olympics.

As a Gen Zer active on social media, he is also a vlogger, recording stories about his life in China.

"Raised in a cross-cultural background, I can understand many Chinese ideas and express them in Western ways. So it seems fitting for me to bridge the gap between China and Western countries," said Zhou.

As graduation season approaches, Zhou is busy taking part in many campus activities, including the graduation gala. He is very much looking forward to the moment when the dean turns the tassel on his cap at the graduation ceremony.

"These will be unique memories for me in China, which I have never experienced before," said Zhou.

While enjoying the excitement of graduation, he is also fully aware that it's time to think about his future.

Born into a family of businesspeople, Zhou developed an interest in commerce from a young age. When it comes to his career, Zhou's parents hope that he can get a stable and decent job in the commercial industry. But Zhou would rather start his own business trading across borders.

"I know there will be a lot of pressure in running my own company, but as long as I learn and grow, I'm willing to take on the heavy workload," he said.

Thanks to the part-time internships that Zhou did in his school days, he believes that the transition from campus to society will be easier for him than most graduates. But he also admitted that it might take him some time to put what he has learned from textbooks into practice.

"I think academic achievements and social experiences like internships are equally important in college as the latter really helps with your personal growth," Zhou said.