Alexander Sherr from New York is about to start his fourth year at Peking University, studying for his bachelor's degree in international relations.

"I would have done international relations even if I studied in America. But it was especially interesting to be able to do it in China," said Sherr, 24, who has been taking professional courses provided by the university's School of International Studies.

Sherr went to Hong Kong in 2007 with his family when his mother was planning to set up an office there. After studying at the Hong Kong International School for three years, he went to Beijing in 2010.