Marina Dinaeva arrived in Shanghai from Russia as a master’s student in International Business—and left in 2025 not only with a degree from Shanghai University, but with a story of personal awakening. This is where she began to grow, to change, and to build the life she once imagined.

From Tourist to Graduate: Finding a Home at Shanghai University

Before moving to Shanghai in 2023, Marina visited the city as an ordinary traveler. Gazing at the Oriental Pearl Tower from the riverside, a quiet thought took shape—she knew she would come back to study and live here one day. That tower became a symbol for her, a light to look toward when she felt lost or uncertain. And it was the International Business program at Shanghai University—a field she was deeply drawn to—that ultimately gave her a clear path to return.

Life at ShanghaiU: Study, Explore, Thrive

In September 2023, Marina's efforts paid off. With outstanding academic results, she began her master’s journey in International Business at Shanghai University. These two years became a treasured chapter of her life—every corner of the campus held a memory. The East Campus Library was her sanctuary. Day or night, she studied, read, and reflected there. In the rustle of pages, the breeze outside the window, and the quiet of focus, she felt a deep sense of belonging, doing exactly what she loved. Evenings often found her on the tennis courts with friends, laughing, swinging rackets under the summer sky—scenes that have since settled in her heart as lasting snapshots of joy.

She also actively participated in various university competitions, which became key platforms for her to sharpen her skills and broaden her horizons. During her studies, she engaged in cross-cultural exchanges and narrative practices, taking part in contests such as “China Through My Eyes”—a short video competition for international students to share their China stories—and “Telling China's Stories in English.” Through these experiences, she not only honed her abilities but also grew into a compelling communicator of China’s narratives, using language and visuals to build bridges of understanding between China and the world.

Knowledge, Skill, Insight: The Three Dimensions of Growth

Her master’s research included a thesis on key factors influencing Russia’s energy exports and a published paper analyzing global trends in titanium alloys. In 2024, she competed with her team in the Shanghai University selection round of the China International College Students Innovation Competition, earning a bronze award. Beyond the classroom, she took part in academic talks, corporate visits, and field practices. A highlight was the "International Students Innovation & Entrepreneurship Tour to Taizhou," organized by the School of Economics, which took students into e-commerce companies and deepened her understanding of how business operates in China’s dynamic economy.

On Stage and in the Light: The Unseen Classroom

Beyond her academic life, Marina discovered a second passion: performing on stage. She became a member of Shanghai University’s Haiyi International Student Choir and took part in a vibrant mix of cultural events, from the 2024 Shanghai Spring Festival Gala for Foreign Experts to the university’s New Year Concert, the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, and various campus celebrations like Literary Night and the International Culture Festival. For her, stepping into the lights was more than a performance — it was a moment of connection, a way to communicate across cultures, and a source of deep personal joy.

Where Dreams Don't End: A Story Still Being Written

Now, having graduated with honors under the mentorship of Professor Liu Kui from the School of Economics, Marina is ready to launch her career in Shanghai. She aims to join a globally-minded company where she can grow in marketing, brand management, or international business development — roles that value both creativity and strategic insight. In the years ahead, she also plans to weave together her business expertise and her passion for art, design, and innovation, gradually bringing her own creative ventures to life — whether through a brand, a platform, or projects uniquely her own.

For her, a career is not merely a job—it is a path to grow and a way to create meaningful impact. Shanghai offers endless opportunities and inspiration. She hopes to continue learning, accumulating experience, and creating here, translating her understanding of both China and the world into practical actions and tangible achievements.

To Marina, Shanghai is not just a place—it’s an attitude. A symbol of what’s possible when you dare to dream and choose to believe. Each glimpse of the Oriental Pearl Tower takes her back to her younger self, standing by the river, certain that if she worked for it, she could truly belong here.

Source: Shanghai University