Hello, I’m Chayapol Vanichsavasdvichai, proudly born and raised in the beautiful country of Thailand. Although my family has Chinese roots, I didn’t speak a word of Chinese until I arrived at CEIBS. If you’re worried about a language barrier, let me tell you – it’s quite manageable! As I write this, I’ve just wrapped up Term 1 and am stepping into Term 2. These initial three months at CEIBS have been nothing short of incredible. Living in Shanghai has opened my eyes in so many ways, changing how I see China. And I must confess, I’ve completely fallen in love with Shanghai, CEIBS, and the wonderful friendships I’ve formed here.

My Journey to CEIBS

I earned my degree in Industrial Engineering from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Over the past four years, I’ve poured my energy into our family business, a venture deeply rooted in the cosmetic manufacturing industry. By the third year, I played an important role in importing essential raw materials and finished goods from China. This strategic move was not just a business decision; it was a gateway to innovation and staying ahead in the competitive market.

However, as our business expanded, I realised that my technical skills in engineering were not enough. I needed to complement them with robust management expertise to drive the firm more effectively. This gap in my skill set led me to consider further education. Studying at an MBA programme in China emerged as the most fitting choice, as it promised to equip me with essential business skills and deeper insights into Chinese culture and business.

The choice of CEIBS for my MBA journey was influenced by two major factors: its ranking and its international community. CEIBS has been ranked #1 in Asia by the Financial Times for seven consecutive years. Moreover, its diverse community promised an enriching environment where ideas from every corner of the globe could be combined. In CEIBS, I saw not just a top business school, but a mix of cultures and perspectives.

First Impressions and Pre-Programme Experiences

My journey at CEIBS began two weeks before the official start of the programme at the end of August. I was the first international student to arrive and settle into the dormitory for that term. Arriving at CEIBS was a big eye-opener for me. It really changed how I saw China compared to what I had seen on social media. In Shanghai, the technology is so advanced and the infrastructure is built so well that living here is not only convenient but also amazing.

In those initial days, the warmth and assistance of my Chinese classmates was invaluable. They helped me navigate the new environment andmade the transition smoother. I admit that the first week was challenging for foreigners like me adapting to a new country. But by the second week, equipped with a Chinese phone number and a bank account, I found myself surprised at how technology simplifies life here. In China, I can do anything and go anywhere with just a smartphone.

During this time, my primary focus was on learning Mandarin. The language school was conveniently located just a ten-minute bike ride from CEIBS, and sometimes the teachers would come to the campus to teach us. In those two weeks, I balanced my time between studying Mandarin and exploring Shanghai.

The Beginning of the Academic Journey (Term 1)

My first week at CEIBS started with an exciting opening ceremony and a leadership activity. We all dressed in business casual attire for the ceremony. The professors and a student representative gave speeches about the program and shared advice. It’s a good idea to prepare well for this day – the photos taken will be used throughout the programme. The leadership activity was a great way for us to get to know each other better.

In our classes, Marketing and Economics quickly became my favourites. The professors at CEIBS are not only experts in their fields; they’re also very open-minded and make sure that we really understand the topics. They teach not only MBA students but also those in the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme. This shows the high quality of education we receive.

Another important aspect of CEIBS is the diversity and international experience of my classmates. Their varied backgrounds and work experiences bring so much to our class discussions. These discussions are practical and help us learn more than just the class material. Overall, I’m really impressed with the quality of the programme, the professors, and my fellow students.

Life Beyond the Classroom

At CEIBS, there’s so much to do beyond just attending classes. There are many activities like clubs, company visits both in and outside China, mentorship programmes, alumni networking events, TEDx, and various student-led groups. The school really tries to offer activities to suit everyone’s interests. Getting involved in these activities isn’t just about learning new things, it’s also a great way to make and deepen friendships with classmates.

I chose to be a student ambassador and to be involved in TEDx. CEIBS is famous in China, but not as much internationally. As a student ambassador, I have a role in helping to build CEIBS’ reputation around the world. Through my involvement with TEDx at the school, I’ve come to strongly believe in the value of such events and advocate for their continuation.

In addition, spending time with friends through these activities not only builds friendships but also opens the door to forming lifelong connections. It’s through these shared experiences outside the classroom that some of the most meaningful relationships are created.

Exploring Shanghai and Beyond

The first terms at CEIBS are quite busy, so I didn’t get many chances to explore Shanghai. But I was never bored, thanks to my classmates. They often organise fun events and activities like weekly parties, board games, off-campus dinners, and karaoke. In China, karaoke is called KTV and it’s incredibly popular. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Back in Thailand, I had never really thought about singing karaoke, but now in China, I find myself at KTV almost every week, having a great time singing with friends.

I also had the opportunity to travel with a friend to another city. We took a day trip to Suzhou, a stunning place with its own unique charm and delicious local food, like the famous hairy crab, which is quite different from what you find in Shanghai. This experience made me realise that there’s so much more of China that I’m eager to explore.

Reflections and Looking Forward

Studying at CEIBS has been a lot more fun than I ever imagined. Right now, as I’m starting Term 2, I can already tell I will have many more exciting stories to share in the future. Honestly, choosing CEIBS is probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Time flies so fast – the past three months have felt like just three weeks to me. I wish this experience could last even longer; I’m grateful for every moment and really don’t want it to end. Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. If you have any questions or want to know more, please feel free to contact me.

To contact Chayapol or any of our Student Ambassadors, please click here.