My favourite aspect of this course is the variety of modules I can choose from each year

Why did you choose to study Chinese?

Having lived in three countries, as a result of being born in Spain (brought up speaking Castilian, Catalan, and English) and moving to New Zealand for 6 years, I gained an international perspective on life from an early age - my interest in cultural differences was most likely ‘dialled’ into my character through these personal experiences. Along with consuming East Asian media and popular culture for several years, I drew interest in China and some of its surrounding countries from books and articles which led me to explore ongoing issues such as China’s gender inequality and the media’s role in the Leftover Women (生女) Movement, as well as the inspiring stories of courageous women facing discrimination for breaking away from the social norms to pursue their professional careers instead of marriage. Before starting my course at Sheffield, I had already studied some Mandarin at the Sheffield Confucius Institute and visited Beijing for a month through a study scholarship. All of these things drove me to explore China: the language, culture, and politics, at university level.

What attracted you to the University of Sheffield?

Having lived in Sheffield already for almost 10 years, I knew that I wanted to stay and experience living in Sheffield as a university student. When I went to the SEAS Open Day for Chinese Studies, I was in immediately welcomed into the department by staff members and current students with the same passion for East Asia as I had, and immediately knew this was the place for me.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

At the moment, my favourite aspect of this course is the variety of Studies modules I can choose from each year – I have never had a problem in choosing modules that interest me, and in fact, this year I had the opportunity to study on the Contemporary Chinese Society module, which touched on many subject areas of personal interest including social mobility, sexuality, class, and rural to urban migration. I think the best thing about this module was the way it brought all these key themes together and painted a greater picture of what it really means to be Chinese, while deepening my theoretical understanding of society and culture more broadly.

How have you found learning a new language?

I have really enjoyed the experience so far: it’s hard work sometimes but definitely worth the challenge, especially when you notice the progress you have made, as it keeps you motivated to persevere. Over the past two years, I have gained a lot of informal and formal language skills so far that I try to put into practice regularly. On my year abroad next year, I hope to use what I have learned to fully immerse myself in the culture and the language and keep a personal account of my experiences in Chinese.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your studies? (hobbies, interests, societies)

When I’m not studying for my degree, I have a couple of part-time jobs in Hospitality, work as a Student Ambassador, and volunteer as an Academic Representative and Student Mentor. I also love to read (fiction and non-fiction), go out for bubble tea with my friends, and cook and eat East Asian food – Sheffield has so many great international supermarkets and restaurants.

Do you know what you want to do at the end of your course?

After graduating, I’m hoping to stay on at the University of Sheffield to complete an MA in International Relations and East Asia.