Studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering as an undergraduate at Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) has been an overall rewarding experience. The strongest aspect of my journey has been the international community and support for foreign students — BIT brings together people from all over the world, and that multicultural environment has been a huge part of my personal and academic growth. Sharing ideas, discussing our different approaches to engineering, and even debating space topics with friends from multiple countries gave me perspectives I wouldn’t have gained elsewhere.
The professors, especially in my third year, have shown real energy and openness. Many are encouraging when it comes to pursuing research and asking deeper questions. For instance, Professor Qin Ri, who teaches Space Orbital Dynamics, has been a standout example — his enthusiasm and strong research background made the subject come alive. He often shares his past projects and encourages students to explore competitions and research paths, which is exactly the kind of mentorship that inspires ambition in aerospace students like me.
That said, bureaucratic processes at BIT can be frustrating. Students with stronger Chinese language skills or from certain regions sometimes have access to more opportunities and scholarships. Additionally, while some earlier courses lacked practical exposure or excitement, things have been improving — especially this year, with more professors integrating applied concepts into the lessons.
Overall, I’d recommend BIT to students who are self-driven and ready to carve their own path. If you’re someone who thrives in a diverse environment and wants to build both academic and cultural connections, you’ll find a lot of value here. The potential for growth is real — you just have to take the initiative to reach for it.