Chinese Government Scholarship Recipient, Nicole from Indonesia, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Chinese-Taught Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at Fudan University, China

Hello! My name is Nicole, and I am from Indonesia. Currently, I am a student at Fudan University, enrolled in the Chinese-taught Journalism programme.

My decision to pursue further education in journalism, especially in a Chinese-taught programme at a prestigious university like Fudan, stems from a clear and practical career-oriented motivation: the growing prospect of the Chinese language in the global work field. In today’s interconnected world, Chinese has evolved into one of the most influential languages in international trade, cross-cultural communication, and media exchange. As someone with a keen interest in how information spreads across borders, I recognized that mastering Chinese and studying journalism in a Chinese academic environment would equip me with unique advantages.

This programme not only allows me to deepen my understanding of journalistic principles, such as news gathering, writing, and ethical reporting, but also immerses me in a linguistic and cultural context that is pivotal to global discourse. For my future career, whether I work in cross-border media, cultural exchange projects, or international news agencies, the combination of journalistic expertise and Chinese language proficiency will enable me to bridge the information gap between Indonesia and China, and even between Southeast Asia and the broader Chinese-speaking world. I am eager to leverage the knowledge and skills I gain here to tell compelling, balanced stories that foster mutual understanding across different cultures.

Chinese Government Scholarship Details

I am honored to share that I have been awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship, a prestigious funding initiative sponsored by the Chinese government to support outstanding international students pursuing higher education in China. This scholarship fully covers my tuition fees and provides a monthly living stipend.

Educational Background

My educational background has laid a solid foundation for my current studies, as I graduated from a trilingual high school. This unique learning environment equipped me with strong language adaptability and laid the groundwork for me to thrive in a Chinese-taught academic setting at Fudan. During my high school years, I utilized the language resources and training provided by the school to actively prepare for both the IELTS and HSK examinations to meet the admission requirements of Fudan’s Journalism programme, but also ensured I could smoothly follow the Chinese-taught curriculum, engage in class discussions, and conduct academic research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Fudan University?

When preparing to apply for institutions and scholarships, I first learned about the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) through its official website, where I accessed detailed eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines to ensure my application met all requirements. In addition to language tests, I also prepared for standardized tests such as SAT and IGCSE to obtain international-based certificates, which I believed would strengthen my application. My preparation strategy focused on consistent practice with past papers to familiarize myself with the test formats and question types, paired with closely following my high school teachers’ lectures—their professional guidance helped me grasp key knowledge points and refine my exam skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chinese Government Scholarship?

My preparation for the Chinese Government Scholarship was systematic and targeted. First, I obtained all key information, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, required documents, and submission procedures, through the official CGS website, ensuring I fully understood the requirements to avoid any mistakes. Academically, I prepared comprehensively for standardized tests: I focused on the SAT and IGCSE to obtain international certificates that strengthen my academic credentials, and also prepared for IELTS and HSK to meet language proficiency requirements. My test preparation strategy centered on consistent practice with past papers to familiarize myself with question types and exam rhythms, paired with closely following my high school teachers’ lectures, as their professional guidance helped me grasp core knowledge and refine exam skills.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Mandarin? 

My classes at Fudan University are conducted in Chinese, the native language of China, as I am enrolled in a Chinese-taught Journalism programme.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Mandarin?

Yes, potential international students who lack proficiency in Chinese may face certain academic challenges. These could include difficulties in following lectures, understanding specialized journalistic terminology, participating in in-class discussions, or completing academic assignments (such as essays and reports) accurately. Additionally, accessing Chinese-language academic resources (textbooks, research papers, or library materials) may also be a barrier. However, these challenges are manageable with proactive preparation—prior language training (like HSK preparation) and immersive learning after enrollment can effectively mitigate such issues over time.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe two key aspects made my application stand out. First, my trilingual high school background demonstrated strong language adaptability and cross-cultural awareness, which aligns with the CGS’s focus on fostering international students capable of bridging cultural gaps. This background also proved my potential to thrive in a Chinese-taught academic environment. Second, my clear alignment between academic preparation and career goals. My efforts in standardized tests (SAT, IGCSE, IELTS, HSK) and passion for cross-cultural journalism showed reviewers that I was well-prepared and motivated to make the most of the scholarship and the programme. I also emphasized my aspiration to use journalism and Chinese proficiency to connect Indonesia, China, and Southeast Asia, which resonated with the scholarship’s mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the application process again, I would start my HSK preparation earlier and more intensively. While my existing HSK proficiency was sufficient for admission, a higher level of Chinese would have allowed me to adapt to academic classes and daily life more quickly.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My core advice for applicants is to prioritize preparation, accuracy, and responsibility. First, rely on official channels (like the CGS official website) for information to ensure you understand all requirements and deadlines, and most importantly, avoid misinformation from non-official sources. Second, start language and standardized test preparation early, as proficiency in Chinese (for Chinese-taught programmes) and relevant international tests is a fundamental requirement. Finally, stay organized and submit all materials on time, as meticulousness reflects your seriousness and responsibility. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from teachers or past recipients, as their insights can greatly enhance your application quality.