Hi, Quakers! I’m Ruoxuan Chen, one of the IGSP Ambassadors for Fall 2024. I’m from CUHKSZ (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen), and though it has been almost three months since I returned to my home university, my exchange experience at Penn still feels like a dream. Every moment - my initial nervousness upon arriving on campus, the excitement of meeting my roommate Bianca from Puerto Rico, and the thrill of attending orientation with students from all over the world - remains incredibly vivid in my memory.
I still remember the moment I received my admission letter from Penn, just a day before my birthday. It was, without a doubt, the best birthday gift I’ve ever received!
Stepping into a Truly Global and Diverse Community
Although CUHKSZ is an international university where we study in English and collaborate with international students, it wasn’t until I arrived at Penn that I fully experienced cultural diversity in action. On my very first afternoon at Penn, I attended the IGSP picnic orientation, where I met other IGSP students from around the world. Everyone was eager to share their cultures and the reasons they had chosen to study abroad. I was nervous at first, as my English wasn’t perfect, and I stumbled over words sometimes, but the kindness and encouragement of my peers made me feel welcome.
Before arriving, I had worried about making friends or struggling with language barriers. However, on my very first day, I met the people who would become my closest friends over the next few months. Their support gave me confidence, and I couldn’t wait to embrace all the new experiences that lay ahead.
Developing Leadership and Communication Skills
One of the most meaningful parts of my visiting experience was participating in Penn’s Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP). The program explored topics like cultural adaptation, unconscious biases, and intercultural communication. Through group discussions and interactive team games, we experienced real cases to solve the challenges and differences in cross-cultural communication. This immersive retreat deepened my self-awareness, enhanced my leadership skills, and fostered meaningful connections with students from diverse backgrounds, preparing me for a globalized world.
Exploring My Passion for Marketing
As a business student, one of my main motivations for studying at Penn was the opportunity to take courses at Wharton. My favorite class was Consumer Behavior with Professor Wilson, where we explored marketing theories through real-world brand case studies. One lecture that particularly stood out to me was about Oreo’s brand transformation in the Chinese market, which deepened my understanding of global marketing strategies.
This class had a profound impact on me. Before coming to Penn, I was unsure about my future career path. But through this course, I discovered my passion for marketing and made the decision to pursue it professionally.
Getting Involved on Campus
Beyond academics, Penn offers an incredible range of student organizations and activities. On weekends, I loved watching performances by groups like Penn Sori and Quaker Notes, which made my time on campus even more enjoyable.
Along with some fellow undergraduate and graduate students at Penn, I helped co-found Penn’s first student club focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) - the Penn Global ESG Leadership Association (PGELA)! Through collaborations with students from Columbia University and NYU, we worked to provide peers with industry insights, internship opportunities, and networking resources in the ESG field.
Penn also has fantastic sports facilities, and I made it a priority to stay active. Every week, I attended Pilates and Barre training at the gym, which became a great way to relieve stress and maintain balance.
A Community That Supports Growth
More than anything, I am grateful for Penn’s open and inclusive environment. Whenever I felt uncertain about my future career, professors and advisors offered thoughtful guidance and encouraged me to follow my heart rather than conforming to external expectations.
Throughout the semester, I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone, connect with people from all over the world, and make the most of every opportunity. This experience shaped my leadership skills, strengthened my cross-cultural communication abilities, and broadened my global perspective, all valuable lessons that will stay with me for life.
Heartfelt Thanks
Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Lisa Taglang and Devin Johnson, our International Programs staff. Thank you for believing in me and giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at Penn and serve as an IGSP Ambassador. Your support and guidance made my experience truly unforgettable.
To my professors, friends, and the entire Penn community—I miss you all already!
