On October 17, 2020, the OIS APMs (Asian Peer Mentors), in collaboration with CSC (Chinese Students Community), hosted the APM Program Reception for all students taking part in the Vassar X Fudan Hybrid Program this semester.

Students logged onto Zoom at 10am on Saturday morning for an hour-long orientation, learning about the Sophonpanich Fund (the endowment that made the APM Program possible!), connecting with the Vassar APMs and other students in the hybrid program, and engaging in lighthearted discussion about midterm week, the Fudan experience, and Vassar resources. Afterwards, students met up at La Bamba, Shanghai for lunch at 12pm, and Sherry Liao ’23, the on-site APM, as well as Yvette Hu ’22, the CSC representative, coordinated an exciting scavenger hunt for the 22 students!

Here are some photos and reflections from some of the first-year students who took part in the day’s events! We hope everyone enjoyed connecting with Vassar peers, and we look forward to hosting more APM events in the future!

“I attended the reception lunch organized by the OIS team this weekend, and it was such an amazing experience since we have the opportunity to connect to other Vassar international students and communicate our experience of studying remotely. I felt the warmth of the Vassar community! Thanks again to the OIS team for organizing this lunch!”

 – Kevin Li ’24

“My new friends are amazing! They are talkative, friendly, and really to get along with. I find a sense of home being with them and firmly believe that I will have a great time with them in the following years! Also lots of thanks to CSC for making this gathering possible!”

– Ziyi Che ’24

“Sending lots of love to APM and OIS for hosting this amazing event! The food was great. I had such a good time and connected with lots of people. It was a really great opportunity to get to know other Vassar students in Shanghai!”

– Zhuotong Li ’24