From Vienna to Shenzhen: How an exchange semester is shaping a global mindset

For many university students, an exchange semester is more than just a brief academic adventure — it’s a transformative life experience. This rings especially true for 20-year-old Thawab Kchaou, an Austrian student currently studying international business at Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU).

Raised in Vienna, a city known for its rich culture and international population, Kchaou has always been immersed in a multicultural environment. With roots tracing back to Tunisia, she grew up surrounded by diverse perspectives, an experience that naturally shaped her interest in global affairs and cross-cultural communication.

“I always wanted to work in an international environment,” she said. “Growing up in Vienna and being part of a multicultural family made me realize how much value there is in understanding different backgrounds. That’s why I chose to study international business — it combines my passion for business and my love for international culture,” Kchaou told Shenzhen Daily.

Thawab Kchaou poses for a photo on the SZTU campus Feb. 21, 2025, her first day at the university. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

Kchaou’s journey brought her to SZTU in Pingshan District, Shenzhen — a dynamic and rapidly growing city often described as the “Silicon Valley of China.” While many students might be daunted by the cultural and linguistic differences, Kchaou embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

“I saw that SZTU is one of the partner universities of my home university and thought it was a big opportunity. Shenzhen is a futuristic city — very young, very modern, and open to change. I saw this as a blessing,” said Kchaou.

One of the highlights of her stay in Shenzhen has been the welcoming attitude of the local students. Kchaou noted how nice the Chinese students were in helping international peers adjust to new systems, apps, and everyday tasks. “They helped us with translations, campus navigation, and just made the whole process easier. We were really grateful.”

Thawab Kchaou (3rd, L, front row) and her schoolmates pose for a photo during a visit to Nantou Ancient Town in Shenzhen's Nanshan District in April. 

When she’s not attending lectures or studying, Kchaou finds solace in the natural beauty of Pingshan, a district known for its hiking trails — a perfect match for someone from Austria, a country renowned for its alpine landscapes. “I love hiking, and Pingshan has a lot of great places for that,” said Kchaou.

Academically, her time in China has offered her a broader global perspective than what she was used to back home. “At my university in Austria, most of our discussions are centered around the European Union. But here, we explore a much wider range of global topics, including India, the U.S., and of course, China’s influence. It’s been very eye-opening.”

 Thawab Kchaou, an Austrian student at SZTU.

The exchange semester has left a lasting impact on Kchaou — not only in terms of knowledge but personal growth. “Living and studying in Shenzhen has definitely changed me. When I talk to friends or family, they notice how my way of thinking has evolved. I’ve learned to adapt more easily and understand different worldviews,” she noted.