4 minute read
Travelling overseas to pursue university studies is a sought-after experience for many, which usually comes with profound life lessons and the formation of great social connections.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has jeopardised the prospect of studying away from home for students like Tianyu Zhao, who was eager to immerse himself in ‘uni-life’ at The Australian National University (ANU) in July earlier this year.
“Due to all the travel restrictions imposed, many students, such as myself, haven’t been able to leave our home countries and gain the on-campus uni-life we desire – to make new friends, meet new students and be exposed to a unique learning environment. For these reasons, I feel that the ANU Shanghai Study Hub (the Hub) has been a silver lining for me and many other Chinese students,” shares Tianyu, who is studying a Master of Financial Management at the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE).
In a move to support the University's commencing and continuing China-based students throughout Semester 2, 2020, ANU launched its first offshore student study hub in Shanghai, China in August 2020.
Located in Australia House by AustCham Shanghai, the Hub offers ANU students a range of study spaces, as well as access to staff and peer-to-peer support.
Tianyu distinctly recalls the joy of learning about the hub on the ANU website and experiencing it for the first time.
Soon after the Hub opened its doors, I began visiting four times a week, as it runs lots of really engaging activities.
“When I saw the Hub’s announcement on the website, I thought ‘Wow, what a great move this could be for me!’ Soon after the Hub opened its doors, I began visiting four times a week, as it runs lots of really engaging activities” Tianyu shares. I sincerely thank ANU and all the teachers for their hard work, especially during the pandemic, which has helped me and my friends” he adds.
In addition to study and peer-support, the Hub provides students the opportunity to build their networks through events and workshops, which are free of charge and open to all current ANU students. Yukai Huang, who is also studying a Master of Financial Management at CBE, has met seven other students at the Hub pursuing the same program.
“The internet access, support and environment here are terrific. I come here almost every day, even if I’m not studying, as this is where my new classmates and I catch up,” Yukai shares.
For more information, including the event schedule, please visit the ANU Shanghai Study Hub website or read the latest updates in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Students based in China should also follow the ANU Official WeChat account (ANU_Australia) to stay up to date on Study Hub news and events, and to find out about Study Hub WeChat groups.
Image: Xu