GLOBAL BUSINESS JOURNALISM NEWSLETTER
July 2024
By VICKI CHALERMLAPVORABOON
Global Business Journalism reporter
Hello to all readers, all the way from Thailand!
Here I am, basking in the tropical heat and dramatic rainfalls, soaking up some family time and cuddles with my dog. This summer has been a mellow one, with everyone taking a well-deserved break, but fear not: This newsletter will provide the essentials you need to know for the upcoming fall semester.
Before we get to that, a bit of summertime news from our Global Business Journalism program, the GBJ summer leadership and journalism training program in the United States ...
1. Another global foray for Global Business Journalism
Led by GBJ co-director Rick Dunham, a longtime Washington correspondent and National Press Club president, the Global Business Journalism summer leadership and training program gave its participants a chance to learn about international journalism and American history while visiting important historical, journalistic and cultural sites.
Stops included the International Center for Journalists, the National Press Club and the Bloomberg Government headquarters. The delegation saw the White House, the National Gallery, the African American Historical and Cultural Museum in Washington, D.C., Independence Hall and the American Revolution historical area in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the site of the first human flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and much more.
The group was welcomed to Washington on July 29 by National Press Club president Emily Wilkins, congressional correspondent for CNBC. Lecturers included Patrick Butler, the executive vice president of the International Center for Journalists, Beth Francesco, executive director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, Angela Greiling Keane, managing editor of Bloomberg Government, Christi Harlan, an author, former journalist and banking regulator, Annie Tin, a longtime journalist who now works for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Lisette Mondello, a prominent Washington lobbyist and longtime Capitol Hill staffer.
The Chinese guests enjoyed a cross-cultural experience throughout their visit, meeting a diverse group of Americans and sampling a wide range of cuisines, including a "Texas smoke out" featuring Texas-style barbecue at the Arlington, Virginia, home of Professor Dunham on the first evening of the program.
2. GBJ favorites: Best places to unwind around campus
Now, back to Beijing and the upcoming semester ...
If there's one thing I know like the back of my hand, it's the enchanting campus of Tsinghua University. So here's some advice for you.
Feeling stressed? Need a place to scream or sneak in a nap between classes? I've got you covered. Here are the best spots to unwind around campus.
Student life can get hectic, especially when you're juggling more than five classes in a single semester. Feeling stressed is all too real. While there are many causes, there are just as many effects. I get it – once you're out of your dorm, it hardly seems worth the effort to trek back if you’ve got another class in an hour. Or maybe you want to hang out with friends who aren’t allowed inside the dorm. Even those weekends on campus, sticking to a budget and opting not to venture out – trust me, I've been there.
So far, I regret to say we don’t have a screaming room or a place where you can smash things to relieve stress. But don’t worry—there are still some fabulous spots around campus that are definitely worth exploring if you're looking to unwind and shake off that tension.
Mochtar Library
Guilty as charged. The Mochtar Library holds a special place in my heart. Maybe it's the ambiance, maybe it's the company – I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'm absolutely hooked. This library is my go-to sanctuary for unwinding. The wooden architecture and the natural sunlight streaming through the roof creates a magical atmosphere. And those adorable little green lamps? Pure coziness.
What’s more, it’s a library, so it’s blissfully quiet – the perfect hideaway for introverts when their social batteries are running low.
Around the library, there are some delightful spots to sit and walk, nestled among the trees. It's the perfect place to unwind during study breaks, where you can buy food and eat there, sip on a drink, and soak up your daily dose of vitamin D.
For those going solo, it’s an ideal spot to journal, dive into a book from the vast collection, or simply soak in the quietness. And if you’re with friends, you can book a private room and screen your favorite movies.
● Pros: It is located not too far from the main teaching buildings - you can walk or bike. This library also opens until 10 pm.
● Cons: The library can get a bit chaotic at the start of the semester and during exams. Finding a seat can feel like being in the Hunger Games.
The Hill of Love
Ok, I know what you’re thinking … actually, I don’t, but I’ll tell you what I thought when I first heard the name. I had no idea why it's called that. But it's one of the most famous spots on campus. Not because people go there to find love, but because of the lively atmosphere. Kids running around, families spending time together, groups of friends taking a walk. It’s the heartwarming bustle of life that makes it so special.
There's one huge tree located on top of the hill, and whenever the sun shines, it casts beautiful beams of light across people's faces. It’s the perfect antidote in times where you had a rough class, making you fall back in love with humanity. Sometimes, when I sit there with my music, it feels like I've stepped right into a Studio Ghibli movie.
In front of the hill, there’s several benches, where you sit to enjoy these views or the sunlight.
● Pros: Located near the Mochtar Library, so if the seats are full, you can always chill here.
● Cons: No Wi-Fi. Mosquitos may attack you during summer, and you might freeze to death in winter.
Mong’s Cafe @ the Auditorium
As our alumna Stephanie Sandi mentioned in her recent article, this spot is a beloved haven for students seeking relaxation. Besides its interesting line up of drinks menu, e.g., coffee and beer together (if you haven’t read Steph’s piece, you absolutely should).
It also offers charming outdoor seating where you can kick back with a great cup of coffee. The place has that Parisian vibe, perfect for people-watching and indulging in a bit of gossip (I’m not judging) under a spacious umbrella and wooden deck.
Inside, the atmosphere is irresistibly cozy, making it a perfect retreat after those grueling evening classes. The café offers a decent array of baked goods for those stress-eating moments. Plus, with fast WiFi and a temperature that's always just right — warm when it’s cold, cool when it’s warm — you’ll never be mad about having made that wrong outfit choice.
Pros: Open until 8 p.m. Always enough space for everyone.
Cons: The WiFi here is private, so you won’t be able to access university websites and domains. Also, it can get a bit noisy at times, which might not be ideal if you’re trying to keep your stress levels in check.
Horse Statue Park (in front of Zijing Building 23)
I hate to admit it, but I’ve been gatekeeping this gem for far too long. But because I love you, dear readers, I’m finally spilling the beans on my absolute favorite spot. It’s a secret haven, and trust me, it’s as private as it gets — barely anyone goes there.
The grass here is impeccably manicured, creating a perfectly even patch where you can lounge without a single bump. It’s ideal for summer picnics with friends, complete with a speaker for impromptu dance parties or karaoke, if you’re not afraid to flaunt that vocal.
Surrounded by a lush canopy of trees, this spot offers plenty of shade for napping while enjoying fresh air. Got a hammock? You can hang it up and drift off in style. The possibilities here are truly endless.
The park is also located close to all of the international dormitories so students can walk there anytime.
● Pros: More than enough space for everyone.
● Cons: Good spots are limited. It is also located far from learning buildings, and your enjoyment is subjected to the weather.
So there you have it — your ultimate guide to unwinding on campus. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle, people-watching, or simply sit in nature’s embrace, these locations offer a refreshing break from the daily grind.
So go ahead, find your own little corner of peace amidst the chaos. After all, even the busiest students need a retreat to keep their sanity intact. Happy unwinding!
3. Across China in 225 days: Tudor’s intercultural awakening
As we move into our second year — and it still feels like we were just picking advisors on our first day — here’s an update on our international GBJ student Tudor Finneran from the U.K. and his 225-day adventure in China. Tudor has immersed himself in every corner of this vibrant new world, learning Chinese, traveling and finding networks with others.
Let’s dive into his experiences and see what’s been unfolding through his new article.
4. Catch up on other headlines from GlobalBusinessJournalism.com
It's been another big month for the Global Business Journalism website, with a number of news stories making their debuts. Here are links to some of them, in case you've missed them before reading our GBJ newsletter:
Thanks for reading the slightly delayed July GBJ newsletter. We'll be back next month with an update featuring our first digital orientation guide for incoming students. If you want to be the first to read each GBJ newsletter, subscribe here and receive an email notification when a new newsletter is published.
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