Xinde is one of CampusConnect’s proactive and helpful ambassadors, responding to prospective students’ queries and putting them at ease when it comes to moving abroad for university. His job search has quietened down a lot during lockdown, so he’s been using his time to spruce up his CV, as well as being on the lookout for incoming questions from users of the CampusConnect app.

By Lauren Valentine

• Name: Xinde Zhang

• University: Maynooth University

• Course studied: MSc Business Management

• Currently: CampusConnect Ambassador

• Advice to students: “Studying and socialising don’t have to compete. In fact, when you talk to others, you’ll find you’re still learning a lot from listening and discussing different topics. Teamwork is so important and we can improve ourselves by sharing.”

Why did you choose to study MSc Business Management at Maynooth?

I was drawn to Ireland because of the highly commended quality of education, coupled with the country’s reputation for friendly people and safety. I’d been told about how beautiful Ireland is due to its nature and environment – the air is so fresh! I was also looking for an English-speaking country, and the tuition fees are reasonable here compared to others.

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I was unsure about what to do next. I knew the MSc would help me to define clearer goals about the industry I wanted to go into and provide me with insights into potential careers for the future. Also, the material covered in the course means I’m more qualified now and can meet more requirements for jobs. It taught me lots about critical thinking – for example, I always reflected on what could’ve been done differently following individual or group assignments. There was a lot of teamwork involved too, which is crucial because that’s what the real workplace is like.

How did you deal with starting university abroad?

Coming to Ireland was a big learning curve for me as things weren’t initially how I’d imagined. I was quite homesick and struggled to adapt to the new environment. I wanted to manage everything by myself and challenged myself to be independent. After a while, I realised it was time to take a step back and find some solutions. I spoke to the university’s support services, who suggested I go to MeetUp groups, language exchanges or outdoor activities to meet more people and focus on something other than assignments. This was great for my mental health! After taking their advice, I felt much more optimistic about living abroad. When you meet people you can talk, share experiences and even help each other out – so there’s always a way to solve problems. Looking back, this makes me really happy about my experience overall.
Which parts of your experience have you used to help other prospective students?

I’ve found that many Chinese students aren’t confident about speaking English, despite being really good at it. I’m hoping to make connections that will provide opportunities for Chinese students to learn English without feeling shy about it. This is evident from some of my friends too, so I’ve been thinking about tutoring spoken English, which I hope will be my starting point. I know these people have lots of potential and great skills, so it would be a shame for lack of confidence to be such a barrier.

Another important thing I’ve learned that I like to emphasise is striking a balance between being independent and knowing when to ask for help. We’re adults and we have to be responsible for ourselves, but communication with lecturers and other students is vital for building up a network and feeling like a part of the student community.

Do you find you’re often asked for advice on the practical aspects of studying abroad?  

Certainly. Many people ask about the course structure, as the education system is different to what they’ve experienced before, so they want to know what the lectures and assignments are like here. For most students, this is the first time they’ll have been to Ireland, so it’s helpful to discuss student life together too. Accommodation is another important factor, as people are concerned about on-campus residences being limited. As I’ve started at the university in 2018, I can recommend other good areas to live and describe what the environment is like there.

What has been the most memorable connection for you on the app?

I’m currently chatting to a student who’s recently joined the CampusConnect community. I’ve explained my whole experience to her and helped her step by step: from registration, to accommodation, to the workload. She was unsure about which uni to choose, so I’ve shared a lot of what I liked about the course. When she has doubts about whether she’s capable, I try to be reassuring and offer practical advice, such as how to tackle assignments and manage your time. That includes making sure she gets involved in activities to socialise and take a break from studying, which means she can avoid the initial mistakes I made! She’s a lot less worried now and I know she’ll be OK when she starts at Maynooth this year.

Summarising his motivation for helping others, Xinde says “I was told some new students are coming soon and I know it’s very confusing – especially in these circumstances. I just hope to help out as much as I can.” We are extremely grateful to Xinde and all of our ambassadors who are willing to pass on their wisdom to prospective students and improve their university experience.

Find Xinde on social media:

Instagram: zhangadam7421

Facebook: Zhang Adam