Following the footsteps of the first cohort, the exciting news is coming from cohort 2018. Students are receiving offers from overseas prestigious universities. By the middle of March 2022, 93 GTIIT students have received 253 offers of admissions to master/doctoral programs from 79 prestigious universities around the world, 90% of which are global top 100 universities. 

Time flies and the second cohort of students are going to graduate from Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) this year. From this article, we will present a series of interviews with the graduates from the Class of 2022, to show their stories at GTIIT in the past four years.

Here is the story of Lin Qia, a student of the Class of 2022 from the Materials Science and Engineering Program.

Lin Qia, a GTIIT senior in the Materials Science and Engineering program (MSE), is the winner of the 2020/2021 China National Scholarship. He always has his feet on the ground, accumulating small steps to reach his goals. Based on his interest in astronomy, he maps his future as if it were the universe.

GTIIT as Track to Globe

“I chose GTIIT for two reasons: my Gaokao score matched the requirement; I'd like to explore the unknown as well. Moreover, Israel's innovative and problem-driven ideas in teaching attracted me,” says Lin Qia. Being the second class of GTIIT students, he admits that he was uncertain about this university at that stage, “there had been no graduates and the future was unknown.”

“I had my first English conversation with an international teacher in the English class, during the preparation period,” Lin recalls. The kind old lady would like to shake hands with him after their talk. “I didn't squeeze hard in polite company. But the teacher taught me that a firm handshake showed a person's confidence.” Then they held their hands together, again, firmly. As a freshman who had not yet had many chances and confidence communicating with foreign teachers, he felt encouraged by her behavior.

Lin Qia shares in the Open Day

To explore unknowns is to grasp opportunities. During his study, Lin Qia finds that English-medium education provides a solid foundation for further studying abroad. On the one hand, students are exposed to professional and academic contexts in English earlier than their peers; on the other hand, they can fit into diverse teaching modes. 

In addition, GTIIT offers full support to students willing to apply for further study overseas in preparing CVs, letters of recommendation, etc. 

Pragmatic and Sustained Efforts Make Fruitful Results

 “I told myself to enrich my campus life and chase my goal step by step as soon as I entered the university,” Lin Qia says. As for Materials Science and Engineering, Lin says, “MSE courses emphasize understanding, which could be achieved if you follow your teacher in class, read materials carefully, and summarize your own study methods.”

He studied hard and was awarded GTIIT's Academic Excellence Scholarship, Dean's List, and Vice-Chancellor's List. In his sophomore year, he joined his mentor's research team and was one of the first group of students to apply for the 2020 Guangdong “Climbing Program”, in which he received a special fund of 30 thousand RMB and the research has been published in Metals, a journal covering related scientific research and developments.

Lin has participated in a bunch of activities, including volunteering services, the open day, graduate ceremony, etc. During the vacation, he was a good helper to the professor in preparing teaching materials. As an outstanding student journalist, he also captured interesting stories in GTIIT via the camera and words.

Lin Qia (first from the right) and ASC campers

Lin Qia (3rd from the right) won the 

2019-2021 "Outstanding Student Journalist" Award

“I'm not good at planning though,” he says, “I can complete tasks on time. I know where I want to go and will try my best to reach there. But still, I need to learn how to manage my time properly from better persons.”

Talking about the future, Lin thinks, “So far I can only tell what I don't like and what I don't hate. I am considering, that if I do well in a certain aspect, maybe I will have the motivation and confidence to dig deep and learn more. But the most important thing is to observe more, think more, and accumulate more. I hope I can specialize in my field since it's where I earn my bread,” he laughed.

He has some suggestions for GTers, “Follow your teachers in class. If you lack accumulative knowledge, it will be hard to catch up and fill the gap at the final. Your understanding will be rough, too.”

Starry Sky, Starry Future

Lin Qia's Photographic Work

Based on his interest in stars and astronomical knowledge accumulated since high school, Lin Qia started to prepare the M31 Astronomical Association since Year One. He shares the connotation of its name in a delighted tone, “Messier 31 (M31) refers to the Andromeda Galaxy, the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way. It looks like a spindle-like elliptical spot and is visible to the naked eye from Earth on moonless nights.” 

Astronomical Event

He wanted to build a platform where like-minded friends could exchange their views. Lin organized several astronomical events, which were popular among the campus, serving as the club leader. “It's very relaxing to lie on the grass and look up to the sky with friends during the break of study.”

 Lin Qia's Photographic Work

“I plan to attend postgraduate studies and learn from the best,” talking about the future, Lin Qia says, “Undergraduate study is a stepping stone to more intense study. I hope I can make achievements and innovations in my field.”

“The four-year study is an amazing journey in my life. Thanks for everybody and everything I have met.”

Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Lin Qia