Two Roots, One Journey: as an Exchange Student in Munich

My name is Chiajui Yang, a name composed of three Chinese characters, each carrying the wishes my mother holds for me. ‘Yang’ means the sun shining upon the fuchsia tree, marking the passage of time for all; ‘Chia’ represents the warmth and importance of family; ‘Jui’ is intelligence and wisdom. These wishes are the guiding lights in my life, reminding me to stay true to my roots, value family, and continuously seek knowledge. Or you can just call my nickname Nana.

I have always felt that I have two homelands: one is mainland China, and the other is Taiwan. These two places represent different facets of my identity, each contributing uniquely to the person I am today. Taiwan is where my roots lie, where the traditions of my ancestors have shaped my values and instilled in me a sense of belonging. The culture there is rich, and provided me with a deep appreciation for history, family, and the collective spirit that ties people together. Mainland China, on the other hand, is where I discovered the beauty of modern cities and felt the energy of rapid development. But wherever I am, I am always nourished by nature. I love the fields and the mountains.

Fields in Taiwan

The CBD in Beijing

I was born and raised in Taiwan, moved to Jiangxi Province for primary school, continued my education in Guangdong Province for high school, and eventually settled in Beijing, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Beijing Normal University, and am now pursuing my Master’s degree in Tsinghua University. These diverse experiences across different regions have given me a unique perspective. I have learned to adapt to new environments quickly and to appreciate cultural diversity. I wanted to explore beyond the Chinese cultural sphere, which led me to apply for the LMU exchange program in Munich.

Graduation Ceremony

in Beijing Normal Univ.

Opening Ceremony
in Tsinghua Univ.

My decision to come to Munich as an exchange student is driven by several passions and interests. First of all, I enjoy the Electronic Music Culture in Germany. Fews days ago, in order to experience Electronic Music Culture, I went to Berlin, where I felt the diversity and cultural inclusivity that the city has to offer. In addition, I am a fan of FC Bayern Munich. I vividly remember watching Bayern’s games late at night and imagining myself one day standing in Allianz Arena, feeling the passion of the crowd.

Electronic Music Exhibition

A Fan of FCB

During my time in Munich, I hope to make the most of every opportunity to explore new places, learn both English and German more fluently, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. I am eager to gain a deeper understanding of German culture and the media system, as well as to experience daily life in a new setting by engaging with the vibrant local community and building lasting friendships.

After completing my exchange program, I plan to apply the knowledge and experiences gained in Munich to my future career. I aim to work towards enhancing media exchange between China and Germany, using my cross-cultural insights and language skills to bridge gaps between the two cultures. I believe there is immense potential for collaboration, especially in areas where both countries can learn from each other.

But most important is, go with the flow, no limits, no boundaries : )