【Interview】From Shanghai Buzz to Delft Breeze: My Best Friend Yan’s Exchange Adventures

When I think of friendships that brighten my life, Yan is always the first person who comes to mind. We met during the stressful months of preparing for our postgraduate entrance exams, supporting each other through countless long nights of studying. Now she is experiencing a completely different kind of life as a graduate exchange student in Delft, a small and picturesque city in the Netherlands. For this assignment, I interviewed her to learn how her exchange journey has shaped her so far.

We talked during a relaxed evening video call. On my screen, I could see her sitting beside a large window that overlooked quiet streets and bicycles parked neatly in rows — a scene she said had become very typical of her daily life. She greeted me with her usual bright smile before we began our conversation.

“I wanted to experience a different rhythm of life.”

When I asked what motivated her to choose Delft, she answered thoughtfully:
“I wanted to experience a different rhythm of life. Delft is peaceful, and I felt it would give me space to think and grow.” She also mentioned that the university she attends offers courses that align closely with her academic interests, making it a natural choice for her exchange studies.

Daily life differences: pace, space, and atmosphere

Yan shared that one of the biggest changes for her was the shift in everyday pace. Coming from Shanghai, a large and dynamic metropolis, she found Delft to be calm and orderly. “Everything moves more slowly here,” she said with a smile. “It allows me to focus on the moment rather than rushing through the day.” She described the practical differences in transportation. Delft is a city where bicycles are the most convenient way to get around, so she quickly adapted to cycling everywhere — to classes, grocery shopping, and weekend plans. “It’s actually fun,” she said. “I feel more connected to the environment when I move around on a bike.”

A quieter environment to study and reflect

Yan explained that she enjoys the quieter atmosphere of Delft, which creates a supportive setting for academic work. The libraries, canals, and tree-lined streets make it easy for her to concentrate. “It’s a very refreshing change,” she said.

Her exchange program encourages independent thinking and research-based learning, which she finds both challenging and rewarding. She appreciates the opportunities to work on projects with classmates from various academic backgrounds, saying that the collaboration broadens her perspective.

Traveling: discovering Europe one weekend at a time

One of Yan’s favorite parts of her exchange journey is traveling. Delft’s location allows her to visit many nearby countries and cities with short train rides. Each place she visits offers new scenery, architecture, and small surprises that she enjoys collecting like memories. She told me a story about wandering through a quiet street in Antwerp and unexpectedly finding a charming bakery that became one of her favorite travel moments. “These little discoveries make me feel excited about exploring new places,” she said.

Personal growth through new experiences

When I asked how the exchange has influenced her personally, Yan paused for a moment before answering. “I think I’ve become more independent,” she said. “Learning to manage everything on my own in a new environment has made me more confident.” She mentioned that she has developed better time management skills and learned to adapt quickly when faced with unfamiliar situations. Whether it is navigating train schedules or preparing meals after a long day of classes, she sees each experience as a small step in growth.

Advice for future exchange students

At the end of our conversation, I asked her what advice she would offer to someone preparing for an exchange program. She responded warmly: “Stay open-minded and curious. Try new things, even if they feel unfamiliar at first. And bring a few comfort items from home — they make the new environment feel more familiar.”

Yan’s exchange story is filled with learning, exploring, and quiet moments of reflection. From the lively pace of Shanghai to the gentle charm of Delft, her journey shows how new environments can shape us in unexpected and meaningful ways. Even though she is far away, her experiences continue to inspire me and remind me of the joy found in embracing change.