“Read Ten Thousand Books and Travel Ten Thousand Miles”: Walailak Student Shares Eye-opening Exchange Experience in Germany

As students in this era, where the world feels more interconnected than ever—thanks to the internet and advanced technology—boundaries seem to blur. People can now travel across countries with ease, using airplanes, high-speed trains, and other modern transportation methods. Information is just a click away, and opportunities for global exploration are more accessible than at any other time in history. However, in this fast-paced, digitally connected world, one question stands out for many university students: What should I do to make the most of my time in university, and what skills will help me achieve my career and life goals in this age?

According to the Top Universities website, students who have the chance to study abroad can gain a wealth of personal and professional benefits. These include immersing themselves in new cultures, which expands their perspectives by exposing them to different traditions, languages, and ways of life. Studying abroad also helps students develop independence and self-confidence as they navigate unfamiliar environments while providing access to unique teaching styles and specialized programs not available at home institutions. These experiences enhance employability and open doors to many other opportunities.

One such example is Ms. Zhaoxu Yang, a third-year international student at Walailak University International College (WUIC) from China, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration. Zhaoxu has always dreamed of traveling the world to learn more about diverse cultures and perspectives. “There is a Chinese saying: Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles,” she shared. “We believe that people's growth and the accumulation of insight not only rely on reading to acquire knowledge but also require broadening horizons and enriching life experience through personal practice and actual traveling."

“Reading ten thousand books means absorbing knowledge and wisdom through extensive reading, while traveling ten thousand miles emphasizes the importance of practice and personal experience,” she explained. “People who only rely on book learning cannot fully understand the world; only by combining knowledge with practice can they gain real wisdom and life experience." Inspired by this philosophy, Zhaoxu began preparing for exchange program opportunities from her first year at WUIC, both academically and linguistically, particularly for the IELTS exam.

Zhaoxu said that German education is famous for its strictness in the world and she wanted to experience studying and living under a different education system. She worked hard to enhance her academic skills, including critical thinking, time management, research methods, teamwork, and English proficiency. Her preparation paid off when, in July 2024, she successfully applied for the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship and was accepted into an exchange program at the Nuertingen, Nuertingen-Geislingen University (HfWU) in Germany. The scholarship covered her tuition fee and partially funded her accommodation, living expenses, and study materials. She is currently participating in the program from September 2024 to February 2025.

Zhaoxu describes her experience in Germany as a journey of change. "Life here is different—it's slower, more balanced. In Bangkok or China, daily life often feels rushed, but here people seem to enjoy every moment," she pointed out.  "The professors' teaching style was also intense and exciting, and it really motivated me to learn."

At HfWU, Zhaoxu took core courses such as international marketing programs, project risk management, cross-cultural management, international business finance, supply chain management, and procurement, which greatly expanded her theoretical knowledge and practical abilities in the field of international business and management. She also took German language courses to better immerse herself in the local language and culture. Zhaoxu said that these courses not only gave her insight into the complexities of global business strategy, market dynamics, and cross-cultural communication but also enhanced her problem-solving skills and cross-cultural collaboration through team projects and corporate case studies. “The experience provided valuable support for my career development, expanded global vision, and made me more confident to face the challenges ahead.”

To help international students adjust, HfWU organized trips and extracurricular activities, enabling them to connect with friends and explore the new environment.  “In my spare time, I’ve traveled to so many incredible places, including Iceland, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Switzerland, and Konstanz. And after my final exams, I’m planning trips to Paris, Italy, and Greece to experience even more regional cultures,” she shared enthusiastically.

One aspect of German life that stood out to Zhaoxu was the slower pace of living. “In China and Thailand, express deliveries are very fast, but in Germany, things take time—whether it’s bills or letters, everything arrives by mail. It’s a slower process, but there’s something romantic about it,” she reflected. “They value details and enjoy the process of a slower life rather than simply pursuing efficiency. This way of life makes people feel a kind of quiet and warmth as if every small action has its own unique meaning and rhythm. And for me, this slower process is not boring or delayed but a kind of care and respect for details, allowing people to experience the warmth and depth of life.”

During her exchange in Germany, Zhaoxu not only gained professional knowledge but also learned how to work effectively in a multicultural environment. This cross-cultural learning experience made her realize that career possibilities are much broader than she had previously imagined. "Interacting with local professors, classmates, and exchange students from all over the world gave me firsthand experience of how German society works. Germany’s health insurance, pension system, and excellent educational resources made me realize the profound impact of a strong social security system on one’s career development and quality of life. It inspired me to consider pursuing postgraduate studies and perhaps even living and working here in the future,” she added.

Zhaoxu also offered these words of encouragement to her fellow Walailak students considering an exchange program, especially at Nuertingen-Geislingen University, saying “Don’t worry too much. Early challenges are the way to grow. They will make you more independent and mature, and you will gain not only knowledge but also a deep understanding and practical experience of different cultures and lifestyles.”

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step out of your comfort zone and experience a culture so different from your own? Zhaoxu’s journey in Germany is a great example of how exchange programs can shape both personal and professional growth. Exchange programs are not just academic pursuits—they are journeys that broaden perspectives, enhance skills, and open many doors of opportunities. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and explore a world that’s wider and more connected than ever before.

Note: This article was originally published by Walailak University and is provided on our website with their consent. The article has been reproduced unchanged from the original source. Source: Walailak University, original article published on December 24, 2024; Written by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication.
The original can be found here: [https://www.wu.ac.th/en/news/24972/-Read-Ten-Thousand-Books-and-Travel-Ten-Thousand-Miles-:-Walailak-Student-Shares]