Tianren Li (Preferred Name: Tina)
Tianren Li (Preferred Name: Tina) (she/her) - Stanford in Beijing
Major: International Relations
Minor: History
College year while abroad: Spring 2025
About the photo: This photo was taken during our Beijing Cohort trip to Suzhou, right after we enjoyed a traditional Chinese lunch banquet and explored the beautiful classical gardens of the city!
Contact
Email: tl3176@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Beijing?
I chose to study in Beijing because, as an international relations major specializing in East Asia, it was the perfect chance to dive into U.S.-China relations while learning from Stanford professors on the ground in China. Although I was born in China, I grew up mostly in the U.S. and never had the chance to study China in an academic setting. Doing so at Peking University, surrounded by incredible Chinese students and hearing their unique perspectives, was an opportunity I simply couldn’t miss!
How did studying away support your academic growth?
Studying in Beijing really boosted my academic growth because I didn’t just learn about China in class, I got to see it all around me every day. Living there made what we studied so much more applicable and memorable. Doing fieldwork, traveling to different cities on cohort trips, and chatting with Beijing locals and Peking University classmates gave me a deeper, more personal understanding of China and international relations than I ever could’ve gotten from taking courses alone!
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
Even though I grew up in a traditional Chinese family, living in Beijing showed me how much I still had to learn and how adaptable I truly am. I had never been to Beijing before, so I made a point to ask questions whenever I was unsure, whether it was turning to the wonderful SCPKU staff or getting local tips from PKU students. Navigating a new city, living with people I’d never met, and building close friendships along the way helped me grow more confident and made the experience incredibly rewarding.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
A typical day at PKU started with an amazing breakfast at a local dining hall, then biking over to the Stanford Center for classes. Afterward, our cohort usually shared a meal, which was my favorite part. We would explore local restaurants or try cuisines from our international friends’ cultures. It was the best way to bond! We often wrapped up by studying together at the Stanford Center or PKU library before heading back to our dorms. Those simple moments of exploring, learning, and growing close with everyone made daily life in Beijing truly special.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
Though this year our Beijing program wasn’t able to offer internship opportunities for foreign students, I believe students in our cohort gained many skills through interviewing and conducting research for course projects that required us to go out into the city and interact with Beijing locals. Learning more about society while also gaining valuable insight into how to conduct academic research was especially meaningful to me when our group members interviewed PKU faculty members and high school students at a local Beijing high school for our group projects throughout the quarter.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
The most essential item I took was a heavier jacket. When we arrived in Beijing in late March, the weather was much colder than I expected, so having warm clothes during those first weeks was really important! I’d also recommend packing an umbrella, shower slippers, and essential toiletries since the student dorms don’t provide those. These small items made daily life much more comfortable and helped me adjust quickly to living in Beijing!
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
I highly recommend speaking with your major’s student services officer to confirm how studying abroad might affect your graduation and course plan before the program starts. It’s also really helpful to learn about different programs by talking to student ambassadors and scheduling a one-on-one meeting with our amazing BOSP staff team! Finally, if you’ve been accepted and are committed to the program, start your visa application and complete all BOSP study abroad requirements early to ensure everything is ready before you go!