Le Thi Hai Yen and her classmates participate in a dragon dance performance in Shanghai. 

Apart from my academic life, I also participated in various activities such as a dragon parade and a Peking Opera performance at a cultural festival.

Active participation in the many activities that were organized has made me more open-minded and confident. If you want to get along better with other international students, you should take the initiative to talk to them and then understand their culture and customs. This has helped me greatly in my work, where I have to deal with Korean, Japanese and Indian clients. I can put myself in their shoes and understand what they are trying to say.

I still remember the celebration of ECNU's 70th birthday. That was the year when the epidemic was rampant in Vietnam and many cities were under lockdown. I stood at the landmark of my hometown and sent my blessings to my alma mater with fear and trepidation. Looking back on this experience, the scenario is still vivid in my memory! Without receiving the love from my alma mater, ECNU, I probably would not have the courage to give my love back to her.

Every international student will be confronted with a dilemma when he or she graduates: to stay in China or to find a job back in the home country. Here are some tips.

First, if you're looking to stay, being proficient in Chinese and having a good understanding of Chinese culture is definitely an irreplaceable advantage.

Second, you need to know which domain you can excel in and what your strengths are.

Third, try to figure out which industry will be the most promising one between China and your country, then think about what you can do in this industry.

Last but not least, you might want to sharpen your critical thinking ability so that you can make independent judgments and decisions.

After my graduation from ECNU, I found that there were a plethora of job opportunities back in Vietnam because the economy was booming. As such, young people who had studied abroad were more popular among employers. Because of this, I returned to Vietnam and worked for a French international group for two years before making the switch to the company I am working for now.

To further grow the business, the company wanted to set up overseas branches, and I was approached because of my global experience. As time went by, I became more and more familiar with the business. I do believe that as long as you are willing to put in the effort, things will pay off. After about four years, I was placed in charge of the Southeast Asian market.

I am optimistic about China's future. Over the past two decades, all industries have witnessed rapid growth, and the Chinese economy has becoming increasingly sustainable. I am fortunate to be a witness and beneficiary of time, and I am grateful for all that I have gained at ECNU.

I am very much looking forward to sharing my work experience with my peers when we meet, and continuing the relationship with the amazing people at ECNU.