Shaohua YAN, Doctor of Philosophy in European Studies, 2017. Currently research associate professor at Institute of International Studies, Fudan University.

"SMLC provides a real inter-disciplinary and internationalized training environment which allows me to adopt a political-science oriented approach for my research while benefiting also from interacting with researchers from other parallel programs (American, China, Hong Kong, Japanese and Korean etc.)"

In Summer 2020 I worked as a research fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University. Now (as of September 1, 2020), I am one week away from starting my Ph.D. in Political Science at Columbia University in New York City where I will focus on U.S.-China relations.

As a high-school graduate from mainland China, I knew I was interested in studying U.S.-China relations but I had very limited knowledge about American history and politics. The American Studies Programme really helped me gain a deeper understanding of American culture and society, and it prepared me for post-graduate studies focusing on America’s foreign relations.

One of the more impactful aspects of the Programme was the American Studies Field Trip to the United States led by Dr. Tim Gruenewald. This was my first visit to New York City and the hostel where we (the student group) stayed was right next to Columbia University. From the moment I stepped onto that university’s magnificent campus, I knew that the American Studies Programme had prepared me to pursue a post-graduate degree, and that Columbia University was where I was going to do just that…and now I am!

In Summer 2020 I worked as a research fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University. Now (as of September 1, 2020), I am one week away from starting my Ph.D. in Political Science at Columbia University in New York City where I will focus on U.S.-China relations.

At the U.S. Consulate, I explain Hong Kong culture to American diplomats, develop cultural programmes, and cultivate partnerships to facilitate interactions between the people of Hong Kong and the United States. As an American Studies major, I learned about concepts such as cultural hybridization (societies built upon a blend of different cultures) and I took advantage of many international opportunities—spending a semester abroad in Canada and travelling around the United States.

Through my internship at the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Hong Kong I was able to meet professionals across multiple industries and to learn about a variety of business and cultural sectors. Specifically, my work in government affairs and advocacy offered insight into a variety of social agendas. The American Studies Programme fostered an appreciation for cultural exchange—an enthusiasm which I have applied in my day-to-day job of enriching cultural interaction between the United States and Hong Kong. And the Programme helped me develop the skills necessary to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, allowing me to quickly adapt to a multi-cultural working environment.