From Zhongshan Memorial Middle School to Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (BiUH), from wildlife conservation in Sydney, Australia, to volunteer teaching in Rabat, Morocco; from captaining his high school soccer team to cycling with friends at the Lian’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone—Deng Zifeng, a freshman majoring in Digital Technology, has already demonstrated remarkable maturity and diverse interests beyond his peers. his actions embody diligence, courage, teamwork, and kindness, painting a vibrant chapter of his life at BiUH.
First Impressions of University Life
“Starting today, we join the BiUH family—a bond forged not by blood, but by shared growth,” Deng declared as an outstanding freshman representative during the 2024 opening ceremony. Choosing BiUH as the starting point for his academic journey, Deng was drawn to its German-inspired “practice-embedded” education model and multicultural vision. Here, he balances rigorous coursework with extracurricular pursuits and self-improvement projects.
Deng credits his smooth transition to the patience of BiUH’s faculty, particularly Dr. Yang Xinyuan (mathematics) and Dr. Yuan Yue (German), who provided timely guidance whenever he faced challenges. He embraced the English-taught curriculum and German language courses with determination, actively participating in class discussions.
“Initially, juggling English, German, and major courses was exhausting,” Deng admitted. “But I adapted by modular time management—focusing on one subject each evening. For German, a zero-base language with complex grammar, persistence was key. Before finals, I used a three-phase review method from high school: comprehensive reading, key concept, and mock exams. This boosted both knowledge retention and time management skills.”
Despite being only in his second semester, Deng has immersed himself in campus life. As head of BiUH’s Student Union Arts and Sports Department and a member of Lian’an’s pilot zone, he organized events ranging from choir performances to Halloween celebrations. As class monitor, he bridges student needs with the administration, citing approachable interactions with President Jari Grosse-Ruyken: “Unlike traditional universities, our president listens. I’ve even chatted with him over meals in Dadun Village!”
Cross-Cultural Volunteer Odyssey
Since fourth grade, Deng has spent summers abroad—playing soccer in Spain, attending Cambridge University’s summer program, studying as an exchange student in the U.S., and joining wildlife conservation efforts in Sydney. This past winter, he embarked on a 10-day teaching volunteer trip to Rabat, Morocco, with 12 peers from global universities.
The experience left a deep impression. Teaching children from single-parent families in the Old City of Rabat, Deng witnessed both educational disparities and the transformative power of care. Through songs and dances, the team brought warmth to their lives. “Teamwork and patience were my biggest takeaways,” he reflected. The collaboration also forged lasting friendships and a profound appreciation for collective effort.
The Equation of Balance: Academics and Passions
Deng’s disciplined routine—classes from 8:30 AM to midnight, interspersed with workouts and cycling—keeps him energized. Weekdays are for study; weekends bring library sessions or piano/guitar jams with friends. “It’s busy but never dull. Every day is progress toward my goals,” he said.
Looking ahead, Deng aims to earn a Sino-German dual degree and pursue postgraduate studies. His advice for high school students? “First, be yourself—ignore distractions. Second, follow your rhythm alongside teachers’ guidance. Third, balance work and play. Just be you—explore passions, try new things, and feel the world.”
