The placement opportunity has been circulated by my supervisor, and it seemed like a great experience for people working on China. I have benefited greatly from this experience because I am a Sinologist, and thus having the opportunity to visit China and meet people is making me up-to-date with the rapid evolution contemporary China.
Email circulated by my supervisor on behalf of colleagues in Oxford.
The application process with the host was standard. Applicants need to provide evidence of good academic records. Previous experiences of being in China can be an asset. Applicants also need to write a supportive statement explaining how they would contribute to the project.The application process for the Postgraduate Experience Researcher Programme was also focused on skills, professional development and self-reflection. Applicants need to demonstrate the benefits of taking part in the project for all parties involved.
The activities that I engaged in are as follows:1.Be punctual to take the bus taking the group either to a work place or to visit a site;2.Attend talks the first week;3.Participate in group work the second week; 4.Take part in a field trip outside of Xian during the third week.5.Give a presentation the fourth week.6.Write a research report.It required punctuality and flexibility, due to receiving information and expected time for the next day after 10h30pm every day via Chinese social media (WeChat). It also required liaising with my peers to confirm information and support each other.
The activities that I engaged in are as follows:1.Be punctual to take the bus taking the group either to a work place or to visit a site;2.Attend talks the first week;3.Participate in group work the second week; 4.Take part in a field trip outside of Xian during the third week.5.Give a presentation the fourth week.6.Write a research report.It required punctuality and flexibility, due to receiving information and expected time for the next day after 10h30pm every day via Chinese social media (WeChat). It also required liaising with my peers to confirm information and support each other.
Taking part in the Visiting Program for Young Sinologists 2018 Xian has been a valuable learning experience both in terms of work and personal development.Firstly, this programme is an invaluable opportunity to get out of ones comfort zone and develop a network of people with similar interests. Being immersed into another culture and mingling with people from different countries provides a fruitful change of perspective, as it creates space for a fresh approach to ones field of work. Additionally, gaining experience in China is a unique immersive opportunity to practise language skills and engage with Chinese people in their country, rather than on campus in Sheffield.Secondly, our hosts organised sightseeing breaks between intensive working sessions, thus promoting landmark sites such as the Terracotta Army in Xian, Shaanxi, or the Dujiangyan irrigation system in Chengdu, Sichuan, which are listed UNESCO World Heritage sites. Furthermore, it was a privilege to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, since pandas and their cubs are excellent ambassadors for China abroad.
The placement had some challenging aspects: this intensive programme hardly offered participants a chance of a break to recover from jet lag and activities. This requires a lot of stamina seven days a week for a month.
In terms of resources, essential assets are language skills and travellers skills. Indeed, not being a tourist is useful to be independent. Being a sinologist and mastering at least the basics in the language is an advantage to manage on your own in China and interact with staff. Being used to living abroad and to navigate capital cities and public transport is also an advantage to find your way through megalopolis easily.
Such an experience equips participants with further professional experience in China, and an expanded network of peers with whom to keep in touch. Despite Chinas mixed image abroad resulting from its political regime or environmental issues such as air pollution and non-drinking water, engaging with the country through individual interpersonal relations contributes to build bridges between cultures.
The best advice to manage during an intensive programme is to be flexible and go with the flow. Another tip is to make the most of peer support and team spirit whilst developing friendships and meeting colleagues.Unlike the standard custom in the United Kingdom, over-booked research plans and activities is counter-productive in China. It is vital to adapt to constant change to let go of stress, and accept the idea of not knowing everything in advance. This implies that initial plans made before leaving need to be re-arranged upon your return.Adaptability is required for another reason: this type of scheme is spread over seven days a week for a month, without any break or time to recover from initial jetlag, which is physically quite challenging to keep the rhythm throughout the programme. Although it seems demanding, it is highly rewarding.
This experience has been an invaluable opportunity to develop friendships and professional contacts with an international community. Being in the field enables me to be more confident in my knowledge and analysis when making a bridge between China and Europe.
Form completed: 13 Dec 2018