Webinar Recap | Lehigh University PMBC Alumni Sharing: Transitioning from PMBC Training to Graduate Studies

On June 27, 2023, HYP Global successfully hosted an online sharing session featuring alumni from the Lehigh University PMBC Training Camp. The webinar invited former PMBC participants who have now entered graduate programs at Lehigh University to share their personal experiences transitioning from PMBC courses to master’s-level study.

During the webinar, the speakers discussed various topics, including Lehigh University’s academic characteristics, the PMBC (Pre-Master Bootcamp) learning experience, adapting to graduate-level coursework, campus life, and preparation for studying in the United States. The session provided valuable insights for students planning to apply for U.S. graduate programs.

This webinar featured two current Lehigh University graduate students:

• Yongxiang Bai, currently pursuing a graduate degree in a civil engineering-related field at Lehigh University’s College of Engineering;

• Yunzi Wu, currently enrolled in the One-Year MBA program at Lehigh University’s College of Business.

Both students shared their reasons for choosing Lehigh University and participating in PMBC, as well as their academic backgrounds, application experiences, and real-life experiences after enrollment.

Why Choose Lehigh University?

At the beginning of the webinar, the program representative introduced Lehigh University’s history and academic strengths.

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University is a private research university in the United States with a long tradition of academic excellence. The university has historically been recognized for its strengths in engineering education while also emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to integrate knowledge from multiple fields to solve real-world problems.

The webinar introduced Lehigh’s smaller-scale educational environment, which provides students with more opportunities to interact closely with professors and classmates. The university’s relatively intimate campus community allows students to build stronger academic connections and receive more personalized support.

In addition, Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with convenient access to major cities such as New York and Philadelphia. This location provides students with opportunities to explore internships, career development activities, and regional resources.

The university consists of multiple colleges, among which the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Business are particularly popular among graduate students.

PMBC Helps Students Transition into Graduate-Level Study

For international students, transitioning from undergraduate education to U.S. graduate studies requires adjustments in teaching methods, language environment, and academic expectations.

During the webinar, the two students shared their experiences participating in the PMBC Training Camp.

They explained that PMBC serves as a transition program before entering Lehigh University’s master’s programs, helping students become familiar with the U.S. graduate learning environment in advance.

Through PMBC courses, students can gain early exposure to graduate-level academic content while learning about classroom communication styles, course expectations, and academic pacing in U.S. universities.

For students whose undergraduate backgrounds differ from their intended graduate fields, PMBC also provides an opportunity to strengthen foundational knowledge and better prepare for future coursework.

Engineering Student Sharing: Transitioning from Undergraduate Background to Graduate Study

Yongxiang Bai shared his application journey and academic experience.

He completed his undergraduate studies in Building Environment and Energy Application Engineering at Changsha University of Science and Technology. After graduation, he gained professional work experience in China before deciding to further develop his expertise through graduate study in the United States.

During the application process, due to limited preparation time and examination arrangements at the time, he chose PMBC as a pathway to transition into graduate studies at Lehigh University.

He is currently studying in the civil engineering field at Lehigh University’s College of Engineering, with an academic focus related to water resources and hydrology.

He explained that one of the key reasons he chose Lehigh University was the university’s strong engineering reputation. In addition, the PMBC program helped him adapt to the expectations of U.S. graduate education before officially beginning his degree.

During PMBC, he studied courses such as Technical Communication and engineering mathematics. These courses helped him better understand the academic requirements and learning style of U.S. graduate programs.

Business Student Sharing: From Professional Experience to One-Year MBA Studies

Yunzi Wu shared her study abroad journey and professional transition experience.

She graduated from Shenzhen University with a background related to management. After graduation, she entered the gaming industry and gained professional work experience.

During her career, she gradually began exploring new development opportunities and decided to pursue graduate study abroad to enhance her professional skills.

She shared that after living and traveling in different countries and regions, she became increasingly interested in studying and living in the United States, which eventually led her to apply for U.S. graduate programs.

She is currently enrolled in Lehigh University’s One-Year MBA program at the College of Business.

She believes that MBA education is not only about acquiring classroom knowledge but also emphasizes peer interaction, teamwork, and the ability to analyze real-world business challenges.

How PMBC Helps Students Adapt to the U.S. Classroom Environment

During the webinar, both students highlighted how PMBC helped international students adjust to the U.S. education system.

They explained that U.S. graduate classrooms differ significantly from many traditional learning environments.

U.S. classrooms typically emphasize:

• Active student participation;

• Classroom discussions;

• Team collaboration;

• Independent problem-solving skills.

Through early exposure to this learning model in PMBC, students can gradually develop familiarity with U.S. academic expectations.

Meanwhile, communication training, professional preparation courses, and adjustments in learning methods during PMBC also help students adapt more quickly after entering formal graduate programs.

Graduate Study and Campus Life Experience at Lehigh University

After enrolling at Lehigh University, the two students shared their academic and campus life experiences.

They explained that graduate study in the United States requires students to have strong self-management and planning abilities.

In addition to completing coursework, students need to actively complete readings, participate in discussions, and manage their study schedules effectively.

They also noted that Lehigh’s close-knit campus environment makes it easier for students to communicate with professors and classmates.

For international students, studying in the United States is not only a process of academic development but also an important opportunity to improve independence and cross-cultural communication skills.

How International Students Can Prepare for Studying in the U.S.

During the webinar, the two students also provided advice for future applicants based on their own experiences.

They emphasized the importance of early planning, including:

• Identifying academic and career interests;

• Preparing for language requirements;

• Understanding target universities and programs;

• Becoming familiar with U.S. learning methods in advance.

For students participating in PMBC, they recommended making full use of the program opportunities to develop effective learning habits and prepare for graduate studies.

After entering university, students should actively utilize available resources, communicate with professors and classmates, and gradually establish their own academic and career development plans.

Student Advice: Choose the Right Program and Plan Ahead

At the end of the webinar, the alumni shared that students should consider multiple factors when selecting universities and programs, rather than focusing on only one aspect.

Students should evaluate their choices based on their academic background, personal interests, and long-term career goals.

PMBC is not only an academic preparation course before graduate study but also an important transition stage that helps international students understand the U.S. education system and successfully adapt to a new learning environment.

Through this Lehigh University PMBC Alumni Sharing Webinar, HYP Global hopes to help more students planning to apply for U.S. graduate programs gain a deeper understanding of Lehigh University’s academic environment, PMBC learning experience, and the real study abroad journeys of international students.