Introduction: Zhang Zihan, graduated from NO.1 High School in Xiamen; entered foundation to master program at the International College of Xiamen University after finishing the second year at high school in 2006; went to the University of Hull for the last year as a finance and accounting major with IELTS band 7 and a half tuition scholarship from Hull; graduated from Hull with 2:1results and successfully applied for courses of master of finance at University of Glasgow. The strength of this major ranks at the 7th in the UK.

Q: Why did you choose to study abroad and how was your study at the International College of Xiamen University?

Zhang: I always longed for studying abroad and I want to go out to see the outside world. As a student who has keen interest in finance, I always wanted to go to a country where has developed and mature financial system to experience, to study and to be edified. However, I was only a high school student who knew little about the life and study in a foreign country. My English was poor back then. Three-year’s learning at the International College with original English material helped me a lot. My English improved a lot and eventually obtained a half-tuition scholarship from the University of Hull with IELTS band 7 and 3 A’s. This is why I need to express my gratitude to the college.

Q: Why did you choose the University of Hull?

Zhang: I personally believe that ranking is not everything when choosing a foreign university. If you want to look at the ranking, you need to look comprehensively, which means don’t just pay attention to the overall ranking, and you need to find out the nature of this university. I mean you need to know whether a university is new or traditional. Old traditional ones are generally better on learning environment, maturity and teacher’s qualifications. The University of Hull is old, so I picked it. My study and experience there last year didn’t let me down and I eventually achieved 2:1 results.

Q: The University of Glasgow is an elite institute. How did you successfully apply for its courses?

Zhang: Applying for master’s courses while having a bachelor’s degree is not that difficult. The application standard is your undergraduate scores. If you can get 2:1 or even first class scores, top 20 universities in the UK will open its gate for you. Moreover, you’re expected to have a satisfying IELTS score, complete materials and timely application.

Q: What has the University of Glasgow impressed you the most?

Zhang: Its history and cultural background. This is the reason that I chose it. Glasgow, established in 1451, is the fourth oldest university in the UK, which means it’s the 560th birthday of Glasgow this year. The cultural sediment this university has accumulated during 5 centuries, whichstarted from the Ming dynasty of China, has changed my life. Additionally, with Watt the stem engine inventor and Adam Smith the pioneer of political economy as alumni, it’s a beautiful memory for an international student.

Q: What do you think are the differences between studying in China and abroad?

Zhang: Their learning styles are basically the same. Firstly, if you have developed self-control and raised consciousness of independent learning, we can do better than other international students or even local students. Secondly, reading skills is essential and you need to foster it as early as possible. Massive amount of reading before exams and writing reports will stress you out. Good reading skills will benefit you. What’s more is to increase the number of group projects and improve your communication skills, especially marketing majors who need to do a lot of group work.

Q: What kinds of growth do you have when you study abroad?

Zhang: Knowledge, particularly, and also expanded horizons. The most precious is changes on characteristics and how I see things differently.

Q: You enrolled in foundation to master’s program from the second year in high school. How do you see this path?

Zhang: I have regrets and achievements at the same time. The regret is I didn’t experience the harshest higher education entrance exam with Chinese features. It may have left me regret, but the saved time and the growth speed which exceeds people of my age may be the best remedy. I’ve just turned 22 this year and have finished my master’s courses. Many students of my age have just graduated from university and some are still in their third year. This is the remedy for me. One or two years in the whole life probably doesn’t mean much and many hope that they can linger a little longer in school, but when you’ve reached middle age or old age, this little time could be a big treasure for us.