Jaden Peterson Wen, class of 2025 in Electronics and Computer Engineering from Indonesia. He has always taken steady steps, each moving toward a clear direction—constantly unlocking his potential, and gradually discovering more possibilities in life amid academic research and cross-cultural interactions. Now, Jaden has graduated from ZJUI and is pursuing master degree in Data Science at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, having been awarded a full scholarship. Next, let’s experience the vivid, touching growth journey he had at ZJUI.
In a classroom at Haining Hongda Secondary School, there is no stiff formality of the teacher-student divide from the podium-Jaden squats down slightly among the students, joining them in an English story role-play activity. During the two summer breaks spanning his junior and senior years, this warmth was never absent. As a volunteer, Jaden would walk into this familiar classroom each time, making warm stories that transcend national borders.
With a genuine understanding of Chinese students, he designed interactive English classes for over 200 students. From fun dialogue simulations to English story role-plays, he chose topics the children were familiar with and interested in to build bridges of communication. This turned what was once somewhat dull language learning into a vivid experience closely tied to their daily lives. To break down language barriers, he prepared handwritten vocabulary cards in advance, matching difficult words students often encountered with their corresponding Chinese meanings. Whenever a student was confused by an expression, this "small card" always allowed him to respond quickly and accurately.
▲ Group photo of Jaden and students in the class
Beyond the classroom, Jaden took the initiative to turn break times and post-school hours into a chance to deeply integrate into campus life in China. He invited the kids to play basketball, soccer, and badminton; on sunny days, he even joined them in casual water activities. Amid the laughter, language ceased to be a barrier, and the cultural divide faded quietly—he was no longer an "international volunteer," but a "friend" who could joke and play with. These down-to-earth interactions let him truly feel the vitality of a Chinese school campus, and also allowed the children to experience cross-cultural kindness.
▲ Jaden experienced water activities together with his students
The most touching part is the mutual warmth that defined this experience: the shy student who initially hesitated to speak up would take the initiative to say goodbye to him in English on the course's closing day, and even copy the phrases they had learned neatly into their notebooks as a sincere memento. Jaden gradually realized that this teaching experience was never a "mere transfer of knowledge"—he used fun to dispel the dullness of English learning, and in return, the Chinese students gave him the most precious "feedback" through their genuine changes; he opened a small window for the children to see the world, and the children, with their enthusiasm and sincerity, helped his understanding of China move from textbooks to real life.
With his actions, Jaden proved that "experiencing and sharing Chinese culture" is never a distant slogan—it lies in the care he put into handwriting vocabulary cards, by the playground where he ran with the students, and in the innocent yet sincere English goodbyes on the last day of class. This kind of experience not only lets us see the sense of responsibility and enthusiasm of an international student, but also makes us deeply feel that understanding and friendship between Chinese and foreign youth can grow gradually in these small, warm interactions.
In the summer of 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, Jaden had to begin his online studies from his home in Indonesia. Attending classes via screen, overcoming the hassle of time differences, and submitting assignments remotely—this became his daily routine back then. By early 2022, Jaden finally secured a flight ticket to China. Yet shortly after arriving at ZJUI, the intensive academic pace of ZJUI and the living environment he was not yet familiar with once made him feel a touch of pressure.
Fortunately, the students and faculty at ZJUI are incredibly friendly and approachable. Both his Chinese classmates and fellow international students went out of their way to invite Jaden to group activities, and they helped him work through the tricky bits of the course after class. Professors not only did their best to share knowledge in lectures but also checked in regularly on his studies and daily life outside class. “With all this care and support, I gradually settled into life here—and even grew to love every part of it,” Jaden said. To this day, when talking about ZJUI, he always adds, “This place is more than just an Institute for me; it feels like a warm home. Thanks to the kindness of everyone at ZJUI, all the challenges I once faced have become my most precious growth milestones.”
Academics aside, Jaden was also an active part of campus life. In his freshman year, he signed up for the "Freshman Cup" Sports and Chess Tournament, where he took first place in ultimate frisbee, made it to the top four in chess, and earned second place in football. “ZJUI offers us endless opportunities to enjoy campus life and balance out our heavy academics,” Jaden said. “Whether it’s celebrating traditional Chinese holidays, attending international cultural festivals, or joining sports like football and basketball, there are always different activities that add energy and fun to my academic routine. These experiences helped me relax, and they also let me meet a lot of new people—something that made a big difference.”
▲ Jaden earned second place in the "Freshman Cup" football competition
Having now graduated from ZJUI, Jaden is pursuing a master’s degree in Data Science at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School. Let’s wish him a bright future ahead—and may he go on to shine brilliantly in his field.
