Global Finance, Culture, and Opportunity: A Liberian Scholar in Beijing
- preetisrajendran
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Global Narratives: Daniel D. Gmah in conversation with Innustame
Hi Daniel, where are you currently living?
I live in Chaoyang Beijing, China. I just graduated from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). in 2025.
Tell us a little about your education journey: I earned a Master's degree in Economics with an emphasis in International Finance and Investment from September 2023 to June 2025 at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing on a Chinese government Scholarship. I previously studied at the University of Liberia during my undergraduate studies in Economics. My dedication and resilience earned me recognition as one of the honorees among over 600 international graduates. I was honored to receive the following awards:
1. Academic Progress Award– Recognizing my consistent improvement and commitment to educational growth.
2. Excellent Academic Performance Award– Acknowledging my outstanding academic achievements during my studies.
What professional experiences did you bring with you to Beijing?: I worked for the Minister of Health as an Administrator and served non-profit organizations. I served as the Account Officer at Partners for Education and as Project Manager for YES Liberia.
What Passport, Nationality and Countries have you lived in? I have a Liberian passport. I was born in Monrovia, Montserrado Liberia. I've lived in Liberia and China and plan to visit and learn from within many parts of the world.
What was your motivation for Studying in China? Living in an underdeveloped country (Liberia) and moving to a developed country in terms of infrastructure and system, it was necessary to seek higher education in one of the most powerful countries in the world. China is known as the second biggest economy in the world and first in terms of trade. After the US and UK, Chinese Universities stand higher in rankings and recognition according to sites like QS Rankings.
What other countries did you apply too? During my application to China, I applied to other Universities outside China, and some gave me admission, but unfortunately, the tuition is high, and I couldn't get a full scholarship. For example:
University of Michigan - Dearborn: admission granted with a waived application fee
West Canada University: Free application. Ultimately chose China because UIBE waived the application fee (Type A)
Why UIBE? The University of International Business and Economics is known for being one of China's best financial institutions, which has gained world recognition and has notable alumni to include Peter Wilson who serves as Director General Europe in the FCDO.
What was your scholarship experience like? The Chinese government scholarship process was competitive and rewarding. My advice:
Prepare your documents ahead of time
Apply to more universities and programsThe scholarship covered all of my expenses.
Visa Process: Because I secured a fully funded scholarship to China, my visa application was easy. After presenting all required documents, I got my visa in five working days.
Application Challenges: The process was a bit cost intensive but rewarding. I needed to get police clearance, notarize my documents, medical tests, and other expenses.
Academic Transition:The shift from the Liberian education system to UIBE was like moving from a calm river to a bustling ocean.
At the University of Liberia:
Focus was heavily theoretical
Strong emphasis on foundational principles and local economic contexts
Limited digital resources
At UIBE:
Practical and globally oriented program
Real-world case studies of financial crises and investment strategies
Frequent group projects with diverse international students
Access to Bloomberg terminals and extensive digital libraries
Strong emphasis on quantitative methods
Industry-relevant teaching with professor bringing real-world examples
What has exploring Beijing been like so far?
Living in Beijing has been an exhilarating experience, where ancient history meets modernity.
Highlights include:
Visiting the Forbidden City and Great Wall
Exploring hutongs and discovering hidden noodle shops
Falling in love with Peking Duck and street food
Cultural surprises:
Language barrier challenges
Pace of life much faster than Liberia
Cashless society through WeChat Pay/Alipay
Balancing Act:
I maintained strict time management:
Weekdays focused on intensive study
Weekends reserved for exploration
I Participated in university clubs and international student associations and language exchange programs.
I built diverse friendships with students from China, Africa, Europe and beyond.
What are your thoughts around a Career moving forward?
My UIBE degree has equipped me with:
Advanced financial modeling skills
Risk management expertise
Deep understanding of international capital markets
Knowledge of Chinese economic policies
I aim to work in international development finance, focusing on:
Attracting FDI to Liberia and Africa
Leveraging my China experience and network
Serving as a bridge between Liberia and global markets
What is your advice for future students looking at global destinations?
Plan meticulously but stay adaptable
Research universities and scholarships thoroughly
Learn basic local language
Network relentlessly
Document your experiences
Prioritize self-care during cultural adjustment
What is your vision for Liberia?
I hope to contribute to:
Economic development through strategic investments
Educational advancement by mentoring youth
Serving as a connection between Liberia and global opportunities
A message from Daniel for everyone: "Studying globally will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of your life. Your dreams are valid - with determination and hard work, they are entirely achievable."
Learn more about UIBE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzyHUVRv1aS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=cGt6eDZhY2pkdnoz
Connect with Daniel: [LinkedIn Profile: http://linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-gmah-62b002156]
