Life is full of choices. For Peng Xianhe and Long Wenwei, two BNBU students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) of Class of 2025, university was a time to explore, pivot, and shape their own unique paths.
Peng Xianhe
Class of 2025, Department of Languages and Cultures
Offer: MA in Applied Linguistics and MA in Intercultural Communication, University College of London
Long Wenwei
Class of 2025, Department of Communication
Offer: MA in Digital Humanities, University College of London; MSc in Media, Communication and Development
Peng Xianhe chose BNBU's English Language and Literature Studies Programme, aspiring to be an English teacher. However, a first-year linguistics course and a summer teaching programme helped her realise that rigid teaching wasn't her strength, and she preferred offering emotional support and connection. Later, she found her fit in the applied writing across media, law, and business.
Peng at BNBU participates in FHSS's competition
At BNBU, Peng explored internships in media and marketing, applying skills gained through group projects and English immersion. Her experience in researching smart city development helped her secure a role with Sina Shenzhen. Now, she's set to continue in the field of media and cultural industries, equipped with both professional training and clarity about her direction.
Peng interns at Sina Shenzhen
Long Wenwei, majoring in Communication, is also enthusiastic about music. While actively participating in the BNBU Orchestra, the BNBU Philharmonic Association, and stage performances, he also pursued a music minor. At the same time, his coursework and internships at major media outlets sharpened his interest in communication theory.
Long performs at BNBU's High Table Dinner
His thesis focuses on non-traditional digital religious music, and he hopes to explore further in postgraduate study in an area that merges media, culture, and anthropology. Through BNBU's summer programmes and its Extended Study Programme, Long studied at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Hong Kong Baptist University. His work has already been recognised by the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR 2025), and he has received multiple offers from top universities.
Long at NUS
Both students credit BNBU's liberal arts environment for giving them the freedom to grow, explore, and define their futures. "University isn't just about grades," Peng reflects. "It's a time for discovering who you are." "Keep communicating with your professors," adds Long. "There's so much to gain, not just knowledge, but guidance too."
