Partner Sites


Logo BusinessBecause - The business school voice
mobile search icon

Beijing Surprise For German Exchange Student

First ESMT exchange student at Peking University talks history, economics and “Beijing Cough”

By  

Tue Apr 26 2011

BusinessBecause
Dilek Altin, MBA student at Berlin’s European School of Management and Technology (ESMT), shares his first impressions of Beijing after 10 weeks at Peking University.

Having participated in a Germany-Japan exchange program previously, and with a wealth of international experience, Dilek jumped at the chance of studying in China: “If things are going to happen within the next few decades they'll happen in China, so I was obviously curious.”

My impressions on arriving
I've worked and lived in five continents, so I don’t tend to get culture shock easily. However, I did deliberately lower my expectations about people, infrastructure and the environment, but I was pleasantly surprised on arriving. The people are really nice in Beijing. Despite the language barrier, which is huge, people are keen to help you.

The one exception is pricing, as it can be stressful always having to bargain. After a while you get to know the value of things though, and it becomes second nature.

The spitting and dirt are obviously different to Germany and Japan. However, what is really killing me is the pollution. It's the one thing about Beijing that's really bad. People are warned not to go jogging outside, and my friend who is training for the Great Wall Marathon has to use public forecasts to ensure he trains on low-pollution days. Many people have bronchitis – some call it the “Beijing cough”.

The Wudaokou campus
The main universities are in the university area, among them the big prestigious universities Tsinghua and Beida [Peking University]. I wasn’t aware before coming here that these two schools were the most prestigious in China. The very top percent of students from the regions are skimmed off and given admission: the competition must be brutal.

The campuses here are different to campuses in Europe. It's not just a university campus; it's a closed area, kind of a city within the city. There are shops, restaurants, a gym, parks, lakes: it's more or less self-contained within the walls.

The differences between Japan and China
This is politically a difficult topic. Japan did some really nasty things in the last century, so there are bad memories regarding these events in China. My personal perspective is that in terms of development Japan and China are quite similar, though things are happening quicker in China nowadays.

After the Second World War, Japan advanced quickly over a 30-year period with the help of US investment. A similar development has happened in China since the 1980s, partly driven by foreign direct investment.

Japan started as a reliable source of cheap labor in Asia for the West, with high levels of technological production, copying other designs. They got very good very fast, and became better than their Western competitors over time. This is what’s also happening now in China.

The exchange program so far
On the first day there was a kick-off event. It was held in English and the program was explained to us in detail. There are between 70 and 80 exchange students at Guanghua (the management school of Beida), and far more foreign exchange students on the campus, a lot of them pursuing a Chinese language program.

Guanghua has undergraduate, Masters, MBA, EMBA, and IMBA (International MBA) programs, and the exchange program. We're mixed up together. Many of the courses are in Chinese, so only the English courses are mostly of interest to us. The modules are similar to any MBA course, though the subset of English courses is limited. I have the feeling that many of the really interesting courses are in Chinese as some of these courses filled up quickly.

The highlight of the trip
As a foreigner in China I was expecting that the Chinese would be closed when we talk about government or censorship and business regulations, which are also difficult to discuss in a Western environment.

But in most lectures these topics can be addressed openly, getting a deep insight into the Chinese perspective on things. Beida is a liberal university. They're mostly open-minded and it's interesting to get a perspective from these people about things happening in their country. They are positive, but also critical.

I was skeptical coming here about the role of the government in Chinese business and society, but I’ve seen that it has in fact had a lot of interesting positive effects, which you don’t often hear about in Europe because they aren't interesting to the Western press.

The perception here is that many things that have been introduced couldn’t have been introduced as quickly or easily in a democratic environment. Many people say that although it might not secure everyone’s rights, centralized power makes it easy for things to happen.

For example, there were and still are too many cars in Beijing. So within few months the government strictly limited the registration of new cars, which wouldn’t have been impossible in a Western country. And, crucially, people think it's good the government did it. It would've taken ages in Europe. You can debate whether it's right or wrong, but you have to admit they get things done fast.

Also, the government used the special economic zones in a trial-and-error approach to find out which policies and investments would work best. This discriminates against zones that did not get these advantages, so this wouldn't happen in a democratic environment. But this approach is ultimately the driver of the very successful opening of China’s markets and economy to the West.

There has been huge change from the opening of the Communist system in the 1980s until today. This change is perceived both negatively and positively, and it was eye-opening for me to hear Chinese people voice their opinions about the changes of these last decades. It is great that people here are open-minded about what has happened as for some it must have been a rollercoaster ride.

There are still people around who saw World War II, their civil war, Communist China, Mao Tse Tung, the Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping, the opening to the West and today’s fast-paced times. I wonder how we would feel if we had lived through all this.
 

Student Reviews

ESMT Berlin

Prithivi

Verified

29/04/2019

On Campus

Well qualified professors and great connectons with the industry

Well structured programs, great facilities and very good career development team. The alumni relations with the school are great and well maintained and fostered. Overall a great school right in the middle of Berlin.

Yannick

Verified

14/10/2024

On Campus

Memorable college life

The European School of Management and Technology creates a remarkable setting where students can excel. I admire this school for its dynamic community, which is filled with enthusiasm, pride, and countless opportunities. The campus, with its rich history and traditions, is truly beautiful, and the spirited atmosphere is invigorating. The social life and events on campus are fantastic, allowing for friendship and connections among students. Although the academics can be tough, they are incredibly beneficial and worthwhile. The encouraging faculty and involved student body foster meaningful connections and lasting friendships.

Student

Verified

5/11/2024

On Campus

Enjoy every moment

The European School of Management and Technology has completely exceeded my expectations. I was blown away by the quality of education here and how much I have learned in such a short amount of time. Every class is made incredibly exciting by the passionate and knowledgeable professors who go above and beyond to ensure that we are fully engaged and learning. I never thought I would enjoy studying so much, but thanks to this school, I am constantly motivated and eager to learn more. The hands-on approach to learning and the challenging yet supportive environment have truly made my educational experience here far better than I could have ever imagined.

Student

Verified

5/11/2024

On Campus

Bringing excitement to the class

Studying at the European School of Management and Technology has exceeded all my expectations. I thought I was just signing up for a solid business education, but what I got was so much more. Every class is dynamic, with professors who are not just academics but actual leaders in their fields, bringing real-world case studies and fresh insights into every discussion. They make even complex topics exciting and easy to understand by linking theory to what’s happening right now in the global business world. The interactive approach, combined with a diverse group of classmates, makes every class feel like a new challenge and opportunity. I never imagined learning could be this engaging and inspiring.

Student

Verified

5/11/2024

On Campus

Impressed by quality

ESMT Berlin has been a revelation! I was drawn to its top-tier rankings and location in Germany's vibrant capital, but the experience has shattered my expectations. The education here is exceptionally practical, with professors who are renowned experts and industry veterans. Each class is a high-energy, interactive session that tackles real-world challenges, from strategic innovation to digital transformation. I'm constantly impressed by the diversity of perspectives and expertise among my classmates, who hail from over 50 countries. ESMT's focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility resonates deeply with me.

Student

Verified

8/11/2024

On Campus

Better education

I cannot believe how amazing my experience at the European School of Management and Technology is! I was initially hesitant about going to a business school, but ESMT has exceeded all my expectations. The professors here are not just knowledgeable, but they are passionate about their subjects and make every class exciting and engaging. The education I am receiving here is far better than what I thought it would be, and I am constantly challenged and motivated to learn more. I am so grateful to be a part of such a prestigious and dynamic institution. ESMT truly lives up to its reputation as one of the top business schools in Europe.

Student

Verified

13/11/2024

On Campus

Exceptional experience with supportive professors

My time here's has been truly exceptional. The professors are supportive and welcoming, creating an ideal learning environment. Various campus activities cater to diverse interests, and hands-on experiences prepare students for their future careers. One area for improvement is the dining options, but overall, I've thoroughly enjoyed my experience.

RECAPTHA :

f7

f1

fe

18