This fall, Federico Sabatini from Italy embarked on his graduate studies at Fudan’s College of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. As a student immersed in the world of computer science, he brings his own unique perspectives to his research. Meanwhile, as a RedNote blogger, he also expresses his aspirations and appreciation for the diverse life in China.
Delving into computer science
Federico now focuses his research on image processing within the realm of artificial intelligence. He previously earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science at East China University of Science and Technology.
Fascinated by Chinese culture, Federico has long been passionate about fostering cross-cultural communication. His connection with China dates back to 2018, when he participated in a one-year high school exchange program in Shijiazhuang, Hebei. The program focused on Chinese language and culture, offering him a unique opportunity to dive deep into the local way of life.
Last year, he completed an internship as a data analyst at an international corporation in Shanghai. This experience, which required him to communicate in Chinese, not only provided him with valuable insights but also helped improve his language proficiency. It also played a significant role in shaping his decision to apply to Fudan University. “My colleagues who studied at Fudan said that the university places a strong emphasis on its people,” he said.
This humanistic ethos resonated deeply with Federico, aligning seamlessly with his academic aspirations. Though his major is computer science, he is eager to venture into other realms at Fudan, like business, thanks to the university’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
In an effort to allocate more time to his research, he has decided to take a lighter course load this semester. He enjoys taking classes with Chinese students, though there are still some communication hurdles, believing these experiences are helpful for him to blend into Fudan’s campus life more smoothly.
A RedNote blogger sharing life in China
Beyond his academic commitments, Federico has also made a name for himself on RedNote as a content creator, using his Chinese name “马浩”. About two years ago, he launched his account to share his experiences as an international student in China. His posts, which focus on cultural exploration and personal anecdotes, have garnered over 130,000 likes from Chinese netizens.
“I started this account to make friends and share what life is like for internationals.” With a goal of fostering communication and connecting with more Chinese friends, Federico frequently shares his daily life and his encounters with Chinese culture on Rednote. His posts feature a warm smile and sincere replies to comments.
During the National Day holiday, Federico posted a vlog documenting his motorbike trip from Shanghai to Jiaxing, a journey inspired by his passion for cycling. “Shanghai is a beautiful city. I like putting on my headphones and riding an e-bike.” he shared. Having previously lived in Xuhui District, he often cycled 26 kilometers to his new dorm at Fudan, enjoying the city’s scenery along the way.
In a recent post, he expressed his love for Hunan cuisine, particularly a local dish called “shredded potatoes”. Having traveled extensively across provinces such as Hunan, Xinjiang, Guangdong, Jiangxi and Zhejiang, he has been deeply impressed by the diversity and flavors of Chinese food. Among China’s regional cuisines, Hunan and Xinjiang are his top favorites.
Federico’s travels have also sparked his interest in the lifestyles of China’s ethnic minorities and the cultural differences between East and West. “In Italy, I usually wake up at 8, have breakfast at 10, lunch at 2, and dinner at 9. Everything goes slow,” he said. “But in Shanghai, life is very fast.” Despite these differences, he noticed cultural similarities: “People from both the countries place a strong emphasis on family, such as weddings and parent-child relationships. They are highly family-oriented.”
Social media platforms like RedNote not only help foreigners connect with Chinese people but also attract global attention to China. “With the influence of social media, China is becoming more and more popular as an study destination,” Federico noted. Driven by the realization that many Italians and Europeans have only a limited understanding of China, Federico has been inspired to fulfill one of his ideals: to set up a travel agency. “He hopes this will enable more people from Italy and Europe to visit China and experience it firsthand. He also hopes to develop a job-search application, which grew out of the challenges of finding jobs in both China and Italy. He envisions adopting AI to analyze candidates’ resumes to further facilitate HR professionals’ assessment of applicants’ qualifications.
These ideas are closely connected to his international perspective and educational background in computer science. As these ideas begin to take shape, Federico is well-positioned to transform his cross-cultural insights into a concrete vision for the future within the inspiring environment at Fudan.
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Writer: ZHAN Yuxin, WANG Mengqi
Editor: LI Yijie
