Aren Mkhitaryan, class of 2027 in Electronic and Computer Engineering of ZJUI, is a member of the International Student Union on the International Campus of Zhejiang University. He is diligent and hard-working, and he previously studied at the Physics and Mathematics Specialized School in Armenia and achieved outstanding results in international mathematics and science competitions, as well as national-level Olympic competitions. Aren has a passionate, extroverted, and vivacious personality. He has a keen interest in data science, philosophy, and psychology. In his spare time, he enjoys playing chess, traveling, and engaging in sports.
▲ Aren's Award-winning Certificates in International Mathematics & Science Competitions and National-level Olympic Competitions
The Tireless Climber
For Aren, choosing to further his studies at ZJUI is both a testament to his passion for Chinese culture and his unwavering pursuit of top-tier engineering education. He shared, "In the field of engineering science, China's technology leads globally, which is why I want to lay a solid foundation here and become a well-rounded, highly capable future engineer. I believe that joining ZJUI, a first-class engineering institute renowned for its academic excellence and unique interdisciplinary platform, is an extremely wise choice for me. It allows me to integrate knowledge from both the East and the West, achieving comprehensive personal growth and development." At the ZJUI 2023 Welcome Ceremony, Aren also spoke as a representative of the international students, expressing his eager anticipation for the life at ZJUI.
▲Aren spoke as a Representative of the International Students at ZJUI 2023 Welcome Ceremony
Since joining ZJUI, Aren has cultivated robust time management skills. On campus, he has always been busy shuttling back and forth from the teaching building to the Residential College, and then to the library. After each class, he diligently reviewed the lecture content, delving deep into the key points to thoroughly eliminate any gaps in his understanding. Moreover, he actively engaged with his peers to discuss challenges encountered in their studies, further solidifying his comprehension of complex concepts through the exchange of ideas." Through steadfast perseverance, he successfully completed 50 course credits in his first year of professional study, while attaining excellent academic results. Reflecting on his academic life at ZJUI, Aren said, "Studying at ZJUI is both challenging and immensely rewarding. I firmly believe that coming to ZJUI is the best decision I have made so far."
Among the many courses, he particularly enjoyed CS101, taught by ZJUI Associate Professor Ong Wee-liat. Professor Ong not only has a lively and inspiring teaching style but also focuses on guiding students to deeply understand the essence of the discipline and inspiring a pure passion for programming. "He made me realize that exams are just opportunities to compete with myself. The value of learning lies in the process itself, not merely in the grades on paper." Aren told us.
At the same time, Aren also made full use of his spare time to engage in courses offered by ZIBS, where he extensively absorbed business knowledge and actively interacted with students from diverse backgrounds to continuously broaden his horizons and cultivate a global mindset. "I believe we should not confine ourselves to the narrow confines of our program. It is crucial to explore knowledge from other fields and develop a habit of lifelong learning," Aren shared with us.
An Invitation Across Borders
Aren, who has reaped abundant rewards in the exceptional environment of ZJUI, is eager to share this valuable experience with more junior students, encouraging them to bravely explore the fertile ground of opportunities in international education. Aren expressed, "I want everyone to know that the value of education is immeasurable, and it is worth pursuing even across thousands of miles. ZJUI is undoubtedly an excellent choice for adapting to a new environment, maintaining motivation, and achieving significant growth. Here, students can thrive under the nourishment of diverse cultures and high-quality educational resources, continuously advancing and developing."
Aren actively participated in ZJUI's overseas recruitment efforts. He organized information sessions and visited local high schools in Armenia, sharing his academic journey at ZJUI with students who harbor dreams of further study. During these interactions, he not only shared his personal insights but also meticulously explained the application process and patiently answered various questions about studying in China. "During the winter and summer vacations, we usually initiated contact with the principals or department heads of some local high schools in Armenia and organized promotional activities for most senior students. During these events, we provided a basic introduction to the admission process of Zhejiang University and ZJUI, as well as life in China, answered students' questions on the spot, and collected their email addresses for further communication of related information." Currently, Aren and his peers have successfully attracted more than 10 students from Armenia to enroll at ZJUI.
▲ Aren Visited Local High Schools in Armenia for Promoting ZJUI
Cross-Cultural “Trailblazer”
Adapting to a completely new cultural and academic environment is no easy feat, yet Aren embraced it with enthusiasm and quickly integrated into the vibrant community at ZJUI. "Just a few months after arriving here, I deeply felt how helpful and humble everyone is. I remember one time when I accidentally lost a bag containing my wallet, passport, and all-important documents. I was filled with frustration and anxiety, completely at a loss. Fortunately, the campus service center found my bag in just five minutes and quickly returned it to me. They have always been eager to help solve problems, and their hospitable nature made me feel warm and welcomed."
On campus, Aren is also part of a warm international student community. As a member of the International Student Union at the international campus, he actively participated in planning and organizing various cultural exchange activities, game nights, and holiday celebrations, striving to create an inclusive and supportive environment for international students. This ensures that even far from home, they can experience a sense of familial warmth.
▲ Aren Celebrated Holidays with International Students
Moreover, Aren actively participated in various traditional Chinese cultural activities, such as calligraphy workshops, tea ceremony experiences, traditional festival celebrations, martial arts classes, and cooking events. As a Traditional Chinese Culture Outreach Ambassador at the international campus, Aren has numerous opportunities to promote cross-cultural understanding through cultural exchanges with local students. These valuable experiences have deepened Aren's appreciation and love for traditional Chinese culture and have further strengthened his connections with the local community. "Calligraphy has shown me the charm of brush and ink, and the tea ceremony has taught me to enjoy moments of tranquility... Through these experiences, I have touched the pulse of Chinese culture and drawn closer to this land. I believe these experiences will become the most cherished memories of my study life. Recently, I have developed an interest in Chinese philosophy and history. I always find answers about learning and life in ancient books, and I will continue to explore this field in depth."
▲ Aren Actively Participated in Traditional Chinese Cultural Activities
Advice for Junior Students
1. Make full use of all the high-quality resources provided by ZJUI, whether it's delving into interdisciplinary knowledge or actively participating in a variety of extracurricular activities. Be bold and try everything that sparks your interest.
2. When you encounter difficulties, do not hesitate to seek help from professors and classmates immediately. Everyone at ZJUI is kind and enthusiastic, always ready to help you solve problems.
3. Time management is crucial in balancing academic progress and comprehensive personal development. Learning to plan your time wisely, maintaining an organized approach to tasks, and keeping your focus on long-term goals are essential.
