AN INTERVIEW WITH YUXIN FU: "PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT INTEREST YOU"

By Shuai (Paul) Chen

Yuxin Fu is a student who attended the 2+2 program at the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) and King’s University College for an Economics and Global Commerce major. The 2+2 model involves two years of full-time study at ECUST, followed by two years at King’s.

Q1 Why did you choose to participate in this 2+2 program?

I had always planned to study abroad and experience different teaching methods and cultures. When I was in my first year, Dr. Adian McFarlane, an Assistant Professor in the School of MEM taught an online course in macroeconomics at ECUST, which allowed me to experience the teaching methods used abroad. I was also interested in the 2+2 program because it allowed me to adapt to the academic environment overseas during my undergraduate studies, which would benefit my future studies as a graduate student.

Q2 What is unique about your experience here at King’s?

In terms of academics, what is unique about my experience at King's is the opportunity to learn from experienced professors with diverse backgrounds, including those from the industry and government sectors. The professors here are passionate about helping students succeed and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure we get the most out of our education. Additionally, King's has access to the entire Western University network, including Ivey's case study methodology, which combines theoretical concepts with practical applications for a more hands-on learning experience. What's also great about studying at King's is the ample opportunity to interact with teachers inside and outside the classroom. This experience allows students to engage with the material and actively participate in learning. Finally, the school offers a range of resources and training programs for students looking to continue their academic pursuits or enter the workforce, such as resume writing workshops, networking opportunities, on-campus job placements, and alumni career events.

Q3 Are there any challenges living/ studying in a foreign country for the first time?

Studying abroad on my own for the first time was a challenging experience, especially without the support and guidance of family members. Adjusting to a new environment, culture, and lifestyle can be difficult, as well as managing time and balancing academic work with personal life. In daily life, I have to take care of myself more independently, in ways such as cooking and making new friends. Regarding academics, the overall course structure time here is shorter than ECUST's, and the content is more demanding, requiring me to adjust my mindset and balance my study and leisure time. However, King's also offers many resources and services to help international students navigate these challenges, such as orientation sessions, tutoring programs, and mental health support. Additionally, the university organizes various events and activities throughout the year to help students socialize and engage with the community, which can help alleviate feelings of homesickness and loneliness. Overall, I think international students here at King’s are quite well cared for.

Q4 Can you give some suggestions for prospective students who want to take part in the program in the future?

First, don’t be shy. Participate in activities that interest you, and I am sure that the unique learning and daily life abroad will be an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Second, be prepared and adjust your mindset, as the coursework abroad will be more challenging, but it will also help to develop your abilities to manage yourself as well as improve your resilience, which is extremely useful for new adults. Thirdly, try to communicate more with your teachers and local classmates and make future plans as early as possible. Whether you want to become a new immigrant, start a career, or continue pursuing higher studies, as long as you prepare for it well and early, your chances will be great.

Q5 What are your plans after graduation?

In the short term, I plan to continue my graduate studies in my research field, accumulate work and research experience, and learn more programming languages to lay a foundation for future academic research and work. In the long term, I am interested in research areas such as anthropology, development economics, and emerging economies, and hope to continue studying in a PhD program in these fields.

Q6 What is your advice for students who want to pursue a graduate degree?

First, make plans early, clarify your direction after graduation, and utilize the relevant resources provided by the university to network, such as attending alumni presentations and networking events. If needed by your prospective program, take the GMAT, GRE, and other relevant exams early. Second, maintain a high GPA, as it is a crucial indicator of your academic performance. An applicant with a high GPA is already halfway to success. Third, learn the related IT skills, as current academic research generally requires proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis software, R packages, etc. I recommend taking Analytics and Decision Sciences (ADS) related courses, which are helpful for both future work and academic pursuits. Fourth, if you are applying for academic programs, accumulate research and academic experience early in your undergraduate studies and find opportunities to participate in the publication of academic articles with your professors. If you are applying for job-oriented programs, gain work experience through internships to enrich your resume. Fifth, actively participate in the professors' office hours and get acquainted, so that recommendation letters from them can be stronger and more precise.