Learning about the world has always been a passion of mine. When I studied at the Academy between 2015-2017, learning about countries and different perspectives was something I enjoyed immensely. For example, I travelled to Berlin, Germany, to study disparities in urban redevelopment between former East/West Berlin for my Advanced Higher Geography dissertation – ultimately being awarded ‘The Canada Prize for Geography’ in 2017 in recognition of my work.
I knew I wanted to study overseas for University. Interested in geopolitics, I was curious about the geopolitical and economic relations of East-Asia – encouraging me to study BA Hons International Studies at the overseas campus of the University of Nottingham in Ningbo (near Shanghai), China, for 3 years. One of the first from The Academy to study in East-Asia, I embarked on an adventurous journey that would take me to Asia, Scandinavia, and beyond.
Discovering China
Starting University in a new country half way across the world where English is not spoken can be daunting – particularly at 17 years of age. However, discovering new cultures is what makes being an international student, or an expat, exciting. There are many cultural differences between China and the UK – too many to list in this article. From expensive cars to glistening skyscrapers, delicious food and societal etiquette, to family traditions and fierce workplace competition. The sheer size of cities such as Shanghai makes you realise the enormity and fast economic development of China.
Living in China is very different to that of the UK. Living both on and off campus in Ningbo allowed me to explore these differences. For example, technology is used significantly more than in the UK – where WeChat (Chinese equivalent of Facebook) is alone used for mobile payments, social media, utilities, shopping, transport, and even healthcare. Construction is extensive, where towering apartments are built from scratch in a matter of months. Enormous shopping malls (and squares) brim with expensive brands and elaborate restaurants. Buses were electric and, when travelling by subway, train, or plane, passengers are required to go through airport-styled security with the constant checking of passports for foreigners.
There were some difficulties. Visibility-impairing pollution frequently occurred, housing quality was poor, campus administration was extremely slow, and due to English not being spoken outside campus, accessing services was difficult for non-Chinese speaking foreigners.
Due to the small number of foreigners in China, many Chinese are curious and enthusiastic when spotting a foreigner. This often created funny, and concerning, encounters with local residents. Often random strangers in the street, subway, or even taxi drivers, would enthusiastically ask, or even forcefully take, a photo with you. One time, a stranger chillingly followed us walking back to campus at night to ask for a photo. Humorously, flying to Beijing, unaware of sitting next to a Chinese celebrity, I was mistakenly identified as a member of his entourage and was bombarded with screaming flight attendants when disembarking.
Studying in China
Being an international student did, however, provide lots of opportunities – allowing you to be proactive and embrace, engage, and achieve in activities. For example, I competed in four international team entrepreneurial competitions – reaching the Top 5 teams in China for the 2018 L’Oréal Brandstorm Competition with our team of three (pictured below). I hosted conferences, events, and elaborate balls. I was a University Television news anchor, IT project manager, and a student representative on the University’s strategy advisory board. I even co-produced University promotion videos.
Academically, reading international studies as an international student provided unique perspectives – immersing you in global issues. In recognition of my academic attainment, I was awarded four scholarships over the 3 years – including from the Provost, Dean, and notably the Chinese Government with their Outstanding International Student Scholarship in 2018. The topics I studied there encouraged me to return to Scotland in 2020 for my postgraduate degree in MLitt Legal and Constitutional Studies at the University of St Andrews.
Looking back, there were a number of challenges when studying in China, however. Chinese and international students, for example, had separate dorm buildings with little interaction. Government censorship made it difficult to research/study, communicate with friends online, and engage in student societies. Career development was extremely limited for international students and, whilst the University taught in English, Chinese students rarely spoke it in fear of ‘losing face’ – frequently making it difficult to generate engaging seminar discussions between Chinese and international students.
Despite this, my time in China was adventurous – I was able to experience and learn about China, its different regions, cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. It also enabled me to discover the East-Asian region, and to meet people from a number of countries and diverse backgrounds. It also enabled me to learn more about myself.
Beyond China
What I am most grateful for about studying in China was the opportunity to study in even more countries. Doing so exposed me to further regions, cultures, and perspectives, whilst enabling me to study subject areas outside my degree field.
Engaging with Scandinavian communities in China inspired me to study Intercultural Management at BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo, Norway, in 2018. I was able to study interculturalism and business management, understand Scandinavian perspectives towards leadership, and explore Scandinavia and its glorious mountains, fjords, Viking history, and of course mythology (don’t forget the Trolls!).
In 2019, I undertook an exchange to Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, in Korean, Global, and Financial Economics – the first to do so at the University. There I conducted a case study on the differences in urban policy between Glasgow and Seoul – introducing Korean students to The Glasgow Academy and the values I learnt there. Through that, I was able to understand how other cultures view Europe, and the UK. Seoul is a remarkable city immersed with fascinating history and culture – I encourage everyone to visit.
Through these opportunities I met lifelong friends that have allowed me to travel even further – such as to Singapore and Australia.
My time in China ended abruptly, however. I left China after exams in January, 2020, when there were 50 (unknown) COVID-19 cases in Wuhan – a city only a 1.5-hour flight away from Ningbo. If I had not taken that flight, I might have been airlifted out of China by the UK Government only two weeks later. The remainder of my undergraduate studies, and graduation, remained online throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
My adventures in the Pacific continue. I am currently a Research Associate with the British Chamber of Commerce in China – advocating the interests of British businesses operating in China and promoting UK-China trade. I am still today learning even more about China, and its position in the world. I look forward to discovering more about the region as I seek work opportunities in the Oceanic region.
Nathan Beck-Samuels (Class of 2017)