Eight undergraduate engineering students from China arrived in Milwaukee in January, carrying suitcases, schedules – and a shared leap into the unknown. No one knew each other when they signed up for this study abroad program between North China Electric Power University and UWM. And nearly all were visiting the United States for the first time.
“The courses are in English, so it was challenging,” said Shangwen Yan, a second-year computer science major. “But the people here are so friendly. My roommate and classmates really helped me.”
Yan, the only one in the group who isn’t an electrical engineering major, plans to transfer to UWM to finish her bachelor’s degree.
Between lectures, labs, and late-night study sessions, the group found themselves building friendships while adjusting to a new academic style.
“In China, you focus on the exams,” said fourth-year student Muyang Zhou. “Here [at UWM], you really have to listen to the lectures to understand.” Zhou plans to attend graduate school in Singapore.
The China Scholarship Council provides support for the students from NCEPU. It is currently the college’s only semester-long study abroad program for engineering students from China.
Jiayun Jiang, a third-year student, said she has long considered this studying abroad program. “I wanted to see what I could learn here and what the future might be like,” she said. “I got more than that. It was definitely worth it.”
Plenty of time to sightsee
Just as valuable as learning in another language was the opportunity for cultural immersion, students said. And they didn’t hold back.
On the weekends, they ventured to various sights across the country. In New York City, third-year student Kerui Zhu saw Hamilton on Broadway, while Chengxi Ren, a third-year student, visited the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. Zhengming Wen, a fourth-year student, made it to Los Angeles to see the Hollywood sign –and picked up a memorable lesson in Las Vegas along the way: “No more gambling for me!” he joked.
“Of all the countries, the U.S. has been the leader in the developed world,” said Zhu, explaining why she chose to study in the U.S. rather than other options.
Dean Brett Peters told the group he hopes this program will flourish. “We’re delighted you chose UWM – and Milwaukee – as your introduction to the U.S.,” he told the group. “I hope you tell your friends at home about your experiences here.”
Milwaukee’s charms
Back in Milwaukee, they cheered on the Milwaukee Bucks, admired the sweeping architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum and majesty of Lake Michigan – not to mention indulging in shopping therapy at Gurnee Mills, a gigantic retail outlet between Milwaukee and Chicago.
The students found common ground in unexpected ways. For Wen, it was realizing that American students enjoy exercising at the gym as much as he does. Several said they genuinely enjoyed the pace of life in Milwaukee. “It’s slower than California or New York,” said Qi Chen, a fourth-year student, said. “I could live comfortably here.”
As the semester comes to an end, the once-strangers are now bonded by positive memories.
“It has been satisfying and uplifting to see how they have grown in their studies and in friendship,” said Dah-Chaun Gong, UWM teaching faculty and scientist.
The next group of NCEPU students arrives in January 2027.