On July 12, the Chengdu Global Gateways: Pre-Departure Roadshow for Studying in the US was hosted at the Ritz-Carlton in Chengdu. The event brought together over 150 students, parents, and educators and offered practical resources and firsthand insights to help students prepare for their academic and cultural transitions in the United States.
The event opened with remarks from Brendon Thomas, Commercial Officer at the US Embassy, and Thomas Fairholm, Public Engagement Officer, who outlined key pre-departure essentials, including visa policies, entry procedures, cultural adaptation strategies, and academic expectations. This was followed by a presentation from the Bank of China, in partnership with MasterCard, highlighting cross-border financial solutions designed to support students studying abroad.
Panel discussions featuring representatives from US universities and alumni offered actionable advice on three pillars of overseas success: adapting to academic and social life in the US, prioritizing health and safety, and using campus resources to build a foundation for future careers. Speakers shared personal experiences on overcoming culture shock and building professional networks early in their studies.
After the sessions, participants engaged with sponsors and explored resource booths offering services ranging from legal support to banking and academic assistance.
AmCham China’s Southwest Chapter extends its appreciation to the EducationUSA Office and the US Commercial Service at the US Embassy for co-hosting this event. Special thanks also go to our sponsors and partners, including Newbright Law Group, MasterCard, BMO Financial Group, as well as the participating universities and alumni for their efforts in supporting the next generation of international students from Southwest China.