From Suzhou to the World: IBSS Students Explore 2+2 and Exchange Pathways

On a late afternoon in November, the corridor outside BS548 was unusually lively. Instead of hurrying off to dinner or the library, students gathered for something a little different: a mini-fair dedicated to internationalisation. Specifically, the Year-3 exchange and 2+2 Liverpool pathways that can take them from Suzhou to campuses around the world.

Promoted as an introduction to the 2+2 programme and undergraduate exchange options, the session was part information fair, part storytelling, and part gentle nudge to think a bit broader about what an IBSS degree can look like and indeed, where it can take you.

A room full of possibilities

The event began with a joint session introducing the 2+2 Liverpool route and Year-3 exchange options available to IBSS undergraduates.

Students heard first from Xiaoqiong (Helen) Li, Liverpool Mobility Manager at XJTLU, described as the “bridge from IBSS to Liverpool” and Dr Ahmed Al-Abdin, from the University of Liverpool’s Management School and Deputy Associate Dean for Internationalisation. Together, they painted a picture of what it means to build an international undergraduate journey, whether through a full 2+2 route or a one-term or one-year exchange.

The first half of the session brought everyone together for an overview, whilst the second half saw students move into programme-specific breakout rooms, where they could ask detailed questions based on their current Bachelor’s programme (with free slices of pizza as a reward for their curiosity!).

This format meant the big ideas could be explored at the beginning, whereas the follow-up conversations were grounded in the detail; for example, timetables, modules and “what does this actually mean for me?”.

Our student’s say it best

One of the most engaging parts of the mini-fair came from current IBSS students who had already experienced life abroad on exchange.

Lanqi (Cecilia) Han, BA International Business with a Language (Spanish), shared her experience of going on exchange to the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. She described how her time in Navarra opened up a different side of student life:

“I wanted to experience a different education system and be fully immersed in a Spanish speaking environment. I truly enjoy meeting new people and having random conversations with them, it helps me adapt quickly to local life and understand the culture from a native perspective.”

The academic experience mattered, of course, but so did the personal transformation:

“Before Spain, I was more introverted, now I can network with anyone. I made a lot of friends with people all over the world. It has broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for intercultural learning.”

The case in point here being her ability to stand in front of a room full of her peers and talk about her experience with such self-assuredness. Immediately after her talk – Lanqi had to dash off to her Spanish class – a coincidence that drew a smile from the audience.

 Lanqi (Cecilia) Han sharing her experience studying in Spain

Why 2+2, why Liverpool?

Dr Ahmed Al-Abdin then took the floor to talk about the 2+2 pathway to the University of Liverpool and the wider undergraduate options available. He began on a very human note, asking how many students in the room could speak more than two languages, before reflecting on the power of language learning in a globalised world (he himself speaks five.) It set the tone for the rest of his session, in the sense that internationalisation is not just as a buzzword, but a lived experience which confers an advantage on our students.

Ahmed highlighted several strengths of Liverpool’s Management School and talked about the “international advantage” that 2+2 students can avail themselves. From internship and employment opportunities to live projects, where students work on real company briefs and apply their learning in practice.

Dr Ahmed Al-Abdin outlines the 2+2 pathway at Liverpool

There was also a strong emphasis on research and academic growth. Ahmed mentioned the ‘Student Research Assistantship Scheme’, which allows undergraduates to work with academics on cutting-edge research topics; an option for those considering a future in research or postgraduate study.

Beyond the classroom, he painted a picture of a vibrant student experience, with societies “from aerobics to zoology” and plenty of ways to get involved, make friends and explore new interests.

For those quietly worrying about the challenge of studying in the UK, he underlined the comprehensive support on offer. From English language support and employability guidance to academic advising and peer mentoring. Students even listened to one of these peer mentors, Zhaoli, via video, offering reassurance that there will be familiar faces and dedicated support when they arrive.

Interestingly, Ahmed mentioned that Liverpool is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, a reminder that students from China are not newcomers to the city, but part of a long and rich story.

Why exchange?

From Liverpool, the focus widened to the rest of the world. Professor Ewout van der Schaft, IBSS’s Dean for Internationalisation, introduced the Year-3 exchange options available to IBSS students.

Students were then guided through the list of exchange partners, which span Europe, North America and Asia. Opportunities include:

Ewout summarised IBSS’s internationalisation ethos:

“We think students get stronger through international experiences, because if you go a little outside of your comfort zone and you tend to get a lot more back.”

Zhenhao (Bill) Wang (left) and Dr Professor Ewout van der Schaft (right) offering advice on exchange options.

The final student voice of the day came from Zhenhao (Bill) Wang, who spoke about his exchange experience at the University of Calgary in Canada.

He shared anecdotes of social activities and barbecues with international and local students, reflecting on how naturally friendships formed across cultures. Calgary, he joked, became “sunset city” in his mind, because the winter days felt so short with late sunrises, early sunsets, but full of memorable experiences in between.

For Bill, the real value of the exchange went beyond courses and grades:

“Meeting people from around the world, exchanging cultures, and breaking stereotypes left me with the most valuable memories. Increasingly, I feel like a true global citizen.”

To learn more about how Bill’s journey took him from Calgary to Singapore and how both exchanges shaped his outlook – read his full story [insert URL].

For many IBSS students, the 2+2 route and Year-3 exchanges are not just add-ons to their degree, but defining chapters of their personal and academic journey. We hope that the mini-fair showed that internationalisation at IBSS is about more than mobility numbers or partner lists, it is about affording our students the confidence, curiosity and the courage to step into new environments.

Find out more

Discover more on our international opportunities’ information page.

For questions about the 2+2 study route, please contact two-plus-two@xjtlu.edu.cn.

For academic term and year abroad queries, please email studyabroad@xjtlu.edu.cn.