Summer brings a season of beautiful transitions to Sun Yat-sen University. This graduation season, we bid a warm farewell to our international students as they embark on exciting new chapters, and extend our best wishes to the exchange students wrapping up their journeys in China.

Here, five of our global students look back on their transformative time at SYSU and share what made their experience truly unforgettable.

1. Joycelyn | Indonesia | Bachelor's Graduate

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

What's Next: Pursuing Graduate Studies at SYSU

My four years at Sun Yat-sen University have been a transformative journey. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences not only gave me solid knowledge in drug science but also introduced me to incredible people who became my second family. I will never forget late-night lab sessions, group discussions that turned into laughter, and the warmth of my dormitory—a home away from home.

The most precious gift of this journey is not a certificate, but the bonds I have built. These friendships are treasures I will carry forever.

For my future, I am staying right here—pursuing graduate studies at our school. I am passionate about the intersection of AI and pharmacy, and I hope to dive deeper into AI-driven drug discovery and personalized medicine. I look forward to contributing to this emerging field and bridging innovation with patient care. Sun Yat-sen University has shaped me into a lifelong learner. I leave with gratitude, and I return with purpose.

2. Baptiste Bachmann | France | Exchange Student (from Artois University)

School of International Studies

What's Next: Returning to France to complete his studies

I came here for just one semester, but it has turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. I have learned so much about Chinese culture, literature, and philosophy—and honestly, about myself. Studying Neo-Confucian philosophy, learning about the daily lives of local people, and discovering how to embrace a slightly slower, more mindful pace of life have all been incredibly rewarding.

I spent most of my semester on the Zhuhai Campus, and its scenery is absolutely magnificent. Located right by the sea, the campus features peaceful lakes with benches where I loved to sit, read, and just soak in the surroundings. The architecture here is also striking, and the overall atmosphere is wonderfully serene. In my eyes, the most remarkable building is the theater. Set right beside the lake, its brilliant lights reflect on the water at night, creating a truly radiant and beautiful sight.

If I had to summarize the most valuable lesson from this trip, it is learning how to open my heart and cherish every single moment. Thanks to the supportive teachers, kind-hearted locals, and the wonderful friends I met along the way, my time in China was pure joy.

3. Patricia Florence | Indonesia | Bachelor's Graduate

School of Information Management

What's Next: Starting her career in Indonesia

I feel deeply honored to have been a part of Sun Yat-sen University. During my studies, I have gained invaluable academic knowledge, developed strong digital and technical literacy, and grown immensely under the guidance of our incredible teachers. Thanks to the unwavering support of my supervisor, I was able to complete my thesis smoothly and was honored with the "Outstanding Graduation Thesis" award.

Beyond my coursework, participating in the Specialized Educational Activities for International Students was a major highlight. It gave me a much deeper understanding of Chinese culture and allowed me to connect with fellow international peers, leaving me with beautiful, meaningful memories that I will treasure forever.

Following graduation, I will return to Indonesia to begin my career. I am incredibly grateful to SYSU for giving me this opportunity to learn and grow. As I take my next steps, I will keep striving to improve myself. Best wishes to everyone!

4. Abdullahi Abdi Ibrahim | Somalia | Doctoral Graduate

The Third Affiliated Hospital of SYSU

What's Next: Pursuing post-doctoral research in neuroscience

Earning my doctoral degree at the Department of Neurology at the Third Affiliated Hospital of SYSU has been the most challenging yet rewarding journey of my life. This milestone represents years of intensive clinical neuroscience research, long hours analyzing complex neurological data, and a profound evolution into an independent medical scientist.

The most invaluable aspect of my time here has been the world-class medical training and the advanced neuroimaging platforms available at SYSU. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my doctoral supervisor, Professor Peng Fuhua, as well as my clinical mentors and colleagues. Professor Peng’s rigorous academic standards, immense patience, and unwavering guidance pushed me to achieve excellence in neurological research. The greatest gift I take away from this experience is the resilience and critical thinking skills required to solve complex clinical problems.

Following graduation, I plan to continue my journey in medical research by pursuing a post-doctoral position. I aim to build on the foundations laid during my PhD at SYSU, publishing impactful research that bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and patient care, and keeping SYSU's proud medical legacy alive.

5. Nadezhda | Russia | Exchange Student (from Southern Federal University)

Department of Chinese Language and Literature

What's next: Returning to Russia to continue her degree

For years, studying in China was a distant dream of mine—something that felt almost unattainable. When my home university announced this exchange opportunity, I didn't hesitate for a second. I chose Guangzhou for its dynamic, modern energy, and SYSU for its breathtakingly beautiful campus, which I found myself photographing every single day.

Arriving alone as the only student from my home university in Russia was daunting. At first, I felt quite lonely and out of place, but the warmth of the environment helped me adapt quickly. The classes were engaging, the teachers were incredibly understanding of the language barrier, and my classmates were wonderfully supportive.

Beyond academics, the absolute highlight of my exchange was joining a media team to film a video project in Gaozhou. Exploring rural China, meeting the warm-hearted locals, and tasting the sweetest lychees straight from the orchards was an absolute dream. Looking back, this journey taught me that with courage, we can push through any difficulty—and that dreams really do come true. This exchange has been one of the most precious chapters of my life.

Though oceans may separate us, the bonds formed on our campuses will endure. Thank you for making SYSU a part of your story, and for letting us be a part of yours. No matter how far your next chapter takes you, remember that you always have a home here.

Congratulations, and welcome home anytime!