Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Hopkins-Nanjing Center Master of Arts in International Studies Thesis Tutorial Course

Student blogger Hope Parker reflects on the required First-Year Interdisciplinary MA Tutorial Course. 

Every first-year Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) student at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center is required to take the interdisciplinary MA Tutorial Course during their first year. Before starting the course, I assumed it would be a research methods class in preparation for writing our theses. As it turns out, although master’s students do take a separate class that includes research methods later on in their studies, the tutorial is meant to help students start thinking about a variety of questions that we may encounter while researching and writing our theses. Given that every master’s student is required to take the course, there are Chinese and international students in each section, and the course is co-taught by an American and a Chinese faculty member. The professors take turns leading the course in English and Chinese, based on English and Chinese readings. Chinese and international students have discussions using their target languages.
 

As an interdisciplinary course, the tutorial covers topics on a variety of social sciences, frequently focusing on different theories’ applicability in China, the United States, and the rest of the world. The structure prompts an examination of these theories against students’ existing understandings of an issue within a particular cultural context. Explaining how I understand social science theories based on my own cultural background in Chinese has been more challenging than I anticipated, but has made me aware of how closely language and culture are related. At the beginning of the course, I would bring up ideas that are inherently based on my American education and background. However, raising those ideas in Chinese to people who do not have the same background made me realize that what I said may not have meant the same thing for my classmates as it did for me.

Taking the tutorial course requires me to think about ideas and explain them in a more systematic fashion, reflecting not just on my perspective, but why I have that perspective. I then do the same when listening to my classmates, attempting to make my ideas as clear as possible and understand others’ perspectives as well as I can. These class discussions will help my thesis by giving it more nuanced perspectives, not just in terms of varying social science theories, but also based on their applicability to different situations. More generally, I find the class to be a good listening and discussion exercise.

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s cross-cultural setting provides a unique forum for examining arguments in a methodical way. In the tutorial course and at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, having fellow classmates ask me a question about my perspective has prompted me to reflect on what experiences and lessons I experienced that may be common within the United States, but not elsewhere. As an international student at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, not only have I learned a lot about China and Chinese society, but I have also been encouraged to think more deeply about my own background.

Written by Hope Parker, Master of Arts in International Studies ‘20



Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Volunteer Teaching in Nanjing

Student blogger Cady Deck, Certificate ’19, shares her experience volunteer teaching at a local elementary school in Nanjing.

This semester, I am one of four international students volunteering as an English teacher at Xijie Elementary School. I talked with Paul Armstrong-Taylor, an economics professor at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and our volunteer teaching faculty advisor, to learn about the school and how the volunteer teaching program began. The program started in 2010 when he and a first-year master’s student, “realized that many students were interested in volunteering, but because they were only at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center for one or two years it was often hard to connect with opportunities.” They reached out to a major Chinese non-profit based in Nanjing, who put them in contact with a local elementary school. Although they began teaching at that elementary school, the school that students volunteer at has changed several times over the years.



We teach a class of about 30 students on Friday afternoons, which presents a unique challenge. As a former third grader, I sympathize with their desire to start the weekend, but as a teacher, their excitement is my biggest challenge. The four of us are tasked with teaching them new material, reviewing what they have already learned, and maintaining control of the class, all in the span of 40 minutes. As a result, not only are we developing our teaching skills, but we’re also gaining classroom management skills. At the beginning of the semester, I saw a volunteer teaching WeChat QR code posted on the Hopkins-Nanjing Center bulletin board and immediately scanned it to sign up. For me, volunteering at this school is a fun way to interact with the local community and do something productive with my free time on Fridays.

Volunteer teaching is a very rewarding experience, even though we only teach for 40 minutes every time. We meet before each class to come up with new lesson plans. The first time we went, we weren’t sure what level the students were at, so we came up with activities based on the first few lessons in their textbook, which consisted of very basic greetings, such as “hello” and “good morning.” After teaching them for a few minutes, we quickly realized they were at a much more advanced level. We needed to give them a bigger challenge, so we taught them more complex sentence structures and had them introduce themselves to each other and to us.

Because the students are so far ahead of the lessons in the textbook, we come up with our own topics every week. For example, last time we taught them about different flavors and food. We incorporate as many interactive elements as possible so they can practice speaking with and listening to native English speakers. By doing this, we correct their mistakes, and they hear how certain words should be pronounced. However, correcting pronunciation isn’t a one-way street. An unintentional benefit of this opportunity is that the students aren’t afraid to let us know when our tones are wrong or when they don’t understand our Chinese.

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural dialogue, and this is a great way to engage with people of different ages and backgrounds. Professor Armstrong-Taylor summed up the overall experience perfectly by saying that “we not only get the psychological benefits of helping others, but also an opportunity to get out of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center bubble and see a part of Nanjing and Chinese society that we would not otherwise have access to.”

Written by Cady Deck, Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate ’19



Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Day in the Life of a Hopkins-Nanjing Center Student: Sam Olson

Student blogger Sam Olson describes a typical day at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. 

6:30-7:20am: Workout with my roommate 
I start off the day with a workout with my roommate, Adam Zhang, to get myself going and mentally prepared for class. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center has its own gym with an excellent variety of weights and exercise machines. In addition, students that apply for Nanjing University student cards can use the gym at Nanjing University, and there are private gyms nearby.


 The Hopkins-Nanjing Center gym


7:20-7:40am: Breakfast 
After working out, I head upstairs to eat breakfast at the cafeteria. The cafeteria offers good food at fairly affordable prices. Beyond the on-campus options, there are multiple restaurants on the main Nanjing University Gulou campus, as well as coffee shops that sell coffee, pastries, and small breakfast sandwiches at low cost.

8:00am: Review readings for my international politics class and catch up on homework
Next, I head to the library to review some readings that we will discuss in our international politics class and go over the PowerPoint slides for today’s class. The library is a very quiet, comfortable environment to do homework and offers an outstanding selection of books and other research materials.

9:50-11:20am: International politics class

In class, we discuss traditional and non-traditional security concerns from realist and non-realist perspectives.

A typical lunch at the 中美中心食堂

11:20 -11:40am: Lunch

12:20-1:40pm: Chinese Constitution class
In my Chinese Constitution class, one of my favorite classes this semester, we continued our discussion of the Chinese political system. One of the reasons I like this class so much is that it serves as a fascinating basis for comparing Western and non-Western legal cultures and values, which adds further dimension to the cross-cultural education we receive at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center.

2:00-5:00pm: Homework, read papers for MA Tutorial course, and begin outlines for papers
After Chinese Constitution is over, I do some readings for my MA Interdisciplinary Tutorial course, as well as for my class on social issues of China’s modernization, and work on some outlines for upcoming papers due in other classes.

5:00-6:00pm Research internships
I use the hour before dinner to research internships and put together application materials for positions next summer. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center provides students with a great career services office that offers extensive guidance and support for students.

6:00pm: Dinner 

6:30-8:30pm: Do additional readings for classes 

8:30-9:30pm: Relax and play pool in student lounge
After a long day of classes and homework, I unwind by playing some pool in the student recreation room with my roommate and a few other classmates. The recreation room offers students a variety of activities for students, such as gaming consoles, a music room, and a place to practice Chinese calligraphy.

9:30-10:45pm: Make reading notes and call home
I end the day by making some reading notes for tomorrow’s classes, calling my family in the U.S., and then going to bed.

11:00pm: Sleep

And that wraps up a typical day in the life of a student! Whatever you need to do during your day, be it doing homework or pursuing a good work-life balance by working out or relaxing, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center provides an excellent living environment in which to do so.

Written by Samuel Olson, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20

Monday, November 19, 2018

China-Africa mini-course at the Hopkins Nanjing Center

Student blogger Hope Parker reflects on her experience participating in the China-Africa mini-course held at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in October. The mini-course was a bilingual course taught by Professor Joshua Eisenman from University of Texas at Austin and Professor Wang Duanyong from Shanghai International Studies University.

Before I arrived at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, I was curious about the different ways that international and Chinese students interact with each other. Bilingual events at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center are one way that students engage with each and take advantage of the unique fact that students have language skills in both Chinese and English. At the end of October, for the first time, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center offered a truly bilingual mini-course with course time split between the two languages. During the year, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center hosts professors from other universities, or from professional experts in the field, to not just give a lecture, but to teach an intensive course over the weekend.

Students gathered on the first day of the course

The most recent mini-course was focused on China-Africa relations, a topic of increasing importance. It was a great opportunity to have Professor Joshua Eisenman from University of Texas at Austin and Professor Wang Duanyong from Shanghai International Studies University share their research and perspectives on Sino-African relations.

Given that I had heard about Chinese investment in African countries before, but had never actually formally studied the issue, the three-day mini-course was a great opportunity to hear differing perspectives about it from an American political scientist and from a Chinese economist. The mini-course was open to all students, regardless of having prior knowledge about China-Africa relations. The lectures prompted fruitful discussions between Chinese and international students.

On Friday, we began the course with a history of China-Africa relations and an overview of current relations in order to prepare us to learn about economic, political, and cultural issues. During our class on Saturday, we analyzed statements from the Chinese government about China’s aid to African countries. In our discussions we considered Chinese motivations, responses from African governments, and overall, what we thought the strategic goals of the interactions might be. We even discussed definitions and specific terms used in dialogue among different governments. As relatively few scholars are researching this relationship, it was very useful to hear about research on the topic in comparison with what is reported in the media.

Professor Eisenman lectures on China’s political history with African states

On Sunday afternoon, our “reward,” as Professor Eisenman described it, was a crisis simulation that, “was ripped from the headlines.” We spent about three and a half hours doing a crisis simulation based on an event involving Chinese miners in Ghana. Each student was assigned a role as part of a government, a private citizen of China, Ghana, or Nigeria, or as part of the press. While many students acted as members of governments, attempting to resolve and negotiate the issue, I was given the role of a journalist. Even after a long weekend, everyone was dedicated to playing out their role, making the simulation fast-paced with constant changes. Although I had less information than most participants and many of the students portraying government officials were uninterested in talking to the media outlets, I was in a very interactive role, getting to hear about how a variety of students were approaching the issue based on their role and based on their own viewpoints.

At the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, students are frequently encouraged to engage with each other and not spend all of their time focusing just on coursework. This mini-course was academic, but it encouraged students to engage with new material and each other. In this way, the course fulfilled the goal of incorporating ideas based on a variety of student backgrounds in order to study important international issues.

Written by Hope Parker, Master of Arts in International Studies ‘20

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Hopkins-Nanjing Center Student Band

Student blogger Sam Olson, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20, introduces the student band and discusses how it adds to the student experience and the Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s mission.

 Band playing at the Mid -Autumn Festival barbeque
Outside of the classroom, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center hosts a variety of student groups that enrich student life, such as basketball, the dragon boat team, and moot court. Although maybe not as well-known as some of the other groups, one activity in particular that enhances the student experience and reinforces the Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s cross-cultural environment is the student band.

To get a better picture of the student band, I talked with Sam Smith (MAIS ’19, Energy, Resources and the Environment) who has been a member of the band for the since last year. Sam said that at its core, the band is a way for Chinese and international students with a shared passion in music to come together to relax, build camaraderie, and have fun. Although some students bring their own instruments, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center provides some equipment as well, including a drum set, bass and electric guitars, keyboards, and microphones. Throughout the year, the band plays at student events, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival barbeque, Halloween Party, New Year’s Party, and end-of-year spring barbeque. In addition to events at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, the band sometimes volunteers to play at local clubs in Nanjing. Once, Sam said the band even got an invitation to play in Shanghai!
 

Aside from providing entertainment for the community and around Nanjing, the band also facilitates cross-cultural interaction in several ways. For instance, the band strives to have a strong representation of Chinese and international students and provides groups the opportunity to play in front of crowds and teach each other how to play a variety of instruments. The band also integrates this into the music they play. “We want our sound to be as unique as the Hopkins-Nanjing Center,” Sam emphasized in our talk. One avenue that he is exploring to further this goal is by incorporating more Chinese instruments into performances, as well as experimenting with using traditional Chinese instruments to play popular Western songs, and vice versa.

Overall, the band is an important avenue for cross-cultural engagement outside of the classroom. I encourage all students to join a student group or activity during their time in Nanjing. It not only provides a break from studying, but also is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s bilingual, multicultural community. One of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s strengths is that its unique environment takes what would be an ordinary group at any other institution and transforms it into an opportunity for cross-cultural learning and enrichment.

Written by Samuel Olson, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20



Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Comparing the Master of Arts in International Studies and the HNC Certificate + Johns Hopkins SAIS MA

We hear from many students that they are debating between applying for the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) or the HNC Certificate + Johns Hopkins SAIS MA. Both will prepare you for the next steps in your career, but there are significant differences in the study experience. Below, we have outlined the strengths of both options and we hope that this helps guide you in determining which program is the best fit for you.

Master of Arts in International Studies
The MAIS program is a great option for students who want to bring their Chinese language skills to an advanced professional level, develop strong research skills, and go into depth in one particular research area. Students spend two years at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, and this program is the only master’s degree accredited in both China and the United States.

Coursework and thesis component
Students declare a concentration from one of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s areas of study (Chinese studies; international politics, comparative and international law; energy, resources and the environment; and international economics). At the end of the program, students research, write, and defend a 15,000 minimum character thesis in Chinese that relates to their concentration area. Former students have written their theses on a variety of topics –from Chinese soft power in Africa to women’s rights in China. While writing a master’s thesis in Chinese may sound daunting, there is a lot of support at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center to guide you through that process. Part of the coursework includes classes designed to prepare you for the thesis process. Additionally, one of the unique benefits of the program is that you get the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Chinese faculty thesis advisor, who will help guide your research. For more information about the MAIS thesis writing process, please click here to hear from a current student.

Chinese proficiency 
The MAIS program requires a higher level of Chinese proficiency than the Certificate program. The recommended score on the Chinese proficiency test is 1300 for the MAIS program, compared to 1200 for the Certificate program. In addition to completing the thesis component, you are also required to take at least 9 courses taught in Chinese over the course of the two-year program.

Employment Outcomes
Completing the MAIS program and the thesis component provides you with concrete proof of your advanced Chinese ability and research skills. Not only can you write and articulate complex issues in international relations and China studies, you can demonstrate to prospective employers that you can also do it in Chinese. One common misconception about the MAIS program is that it only prepares you for a career in China. MAIS alumni aren’t limited to staying in China, and there are a number of alumni who have gone on to work for the US Department of State or other government agencies. In our employment outcomes, there is a lot of overlap between all programs for the different sectors represented. The bottom line is that completing one program over another isn’t going to limit your career path.

HNC Certificate + Johns Hopkins SAIS MA
The Certificate + MA provides students with the opportunity to complete the one-year Certificate program in Nanjing and then complete the Johns Hopkins SAIS MA in two to three semesters in Washington, DC (students interested in continuing their studies at the Johns Hopkins SAIS campus in Bologna should contact nanjing@jhu.edu before applying). This allows students to gain professional Chinese language skills while gaining a strong background in international economics and quantitative reasoning. 

Certificate coursework and Chinese proficiency
Students begin their studies in the one-year Certificate program. The Certificate offers flexible course selection that allows students to improve their Chinese and deepen their knowledge of international relations and Sino-global relations. Students must complete at least six courses taught in Chinese. Most students take three courses taught in Chinese and one course taught in English each semester. All applicants are required to take the Chinese proficiency test as part of their application, with a minimum recommended score of 1200.

MA Coursework and capstone component 
After completing the Certificate program in Nanjing, students begin the Johns Hopkins SAIS MA program and pursue one concentration out of the 19 concentration areas, which are divided into either an international policy area (for example, American foreign policy; conflict management; energy, resources and environment, etc.) or a regional area (China studies, Latin American studies, etc.) available at Johns Hopkins SAIS. Please click here to view a complete list of concentrations. As part of their concentration, students complete what is called a capstone at the end of the MA program. Capstones vary by concentration and can take the form of an oral exam, a written exam, a practicum, or a research project.

Once students begin the Johns Hopkins SAIS MA program, the coursework is taught in English. You can continue your language studies by taking language courses in Chinese or a new language, but you will have met the Johns Hopkins SAIS foreign language proficiency requirement by completing the Certificate program.

International economics foundation
In addition to the concentration in a policy area or regional area, students also complete a concentration in international economics. This requires all students to complete four core economics courses and a quantitative reasoning course to ensure that all students graduate with a strong economics foundation. Applicants must fulfill prerequisite courses in introduction to microeconomics and macroeconomics prior to matriculating to the DC campus. This means that you can fulfill these requirements while you are at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, or over the summer, by enrolling in an online course offered by Johns Hopkins SAIS, or by taking these courses in Nanjing or from any other accredited institution. While many applicants have some prior economics background, there are also students who come to Johns Hopkins SAIS to gain an economics background as they recognize that it is essential to understanding issues of international relations.

Employment Outcomes
With the combination of a background in Chinese language and economics, the Certificate + MA prepares students to enter the global workforce. Additionally, most students are able to gain professional experience by interning while they are in Washington, DC. As mentioned above, there is a lot of overlap between all programs for the different sectors represented in our employment outcomes. However, many alumni of the Certificate + MA end up working for the government, think tanks, or the private sector after spending time in Washington and gaining a background in international economics.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Faculty Office Hours at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center


Student Blogger Tarela Osuobeni, Certificate ’17, SAIS MA ’19, shares her experiences taking advantage of faculty office hours at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center.

“请进, 请进 (please come in)!” My professor enthusiastically welcomed me through the doors of her office. Today I had come to discuss ideas for my paper on death penalty law for my Chinese Constitution course. I wanted to know her thoughts on the law’s relationship to the Chinese Constitution and Chinese history more broadly. She directed me to a chair across from her and began to ask me questions about my project. She patiently listened to my reasoning as I explained my paper’s argument. When I stumbled over a few Chinese words, she was quick to rephrase my meaning in a way that made sense. During the hour that we spent together, her advice and encouragement sharpened my thesis and gave me the confidence to complete the paper.

At the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, I valued faculty office hours because it was an opportunity to understand more about concepts we studied in class. I initially attended office hours with the intention of introducing myself to my professors, but I ended up frequently visiting throughout the year to ask broader questions about China. During the 30 minute to 1 hour meetings, I was able to practice my Chinese and hone in on international relations-related Chinese vocabulary. While professors accommodated to my Chinese-language level, they also challenged me to understand complex concepts in Chinese.

The discussions I had during office hours strengthened my understanding of China more broadly and helped me establish relationships with my professors. During office hours, my Chinese politics professor prepared me for in-class presentation topics by showing me how to use Chinese state-media to examine issues of politics and economic growth in China. Since she had completed her PhD in the United States, she also asked me about my career aspirations and recommended different options of further study in the United States. My international law professor and I often analyzed and discussed Chinese-language versions of different international treaties. Our discussions illuminated the nuances behind legal translations. My professor for my courses on Southeast Asian politics and foreign policy taught me about China’s approach to alliances during office hours. He explained China’s approach to the international community, and asked me questions about the U.S. alliance experience. These conversations were insightful. They often supplemented what I was learning in class which made for a more enjoyable learning experience.

At the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, go to office hours! You learn a lot more about China from professors with tangible experiences and insightful ideas!

Written by Tarela Osuobeni, HNC Certificate’17, SAIS MA’19

Friday, October 19, 2018

Golden Week: Exploring Nanjing

During the first week of October, China celebrates National Day with a week-long vacation commonly referred to as ‘Golden Week’. Since it occurs at the beginning of the semester, Golden Week is a great opportunity for students to travel, explore, and make friends with other students at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center.

This year during Golden Week, lots of students traveled to new cities, took short trips to Shanghai and Suzhou, or went to visit old friends in other parts of China. I decided to stay in Nanjing and get to know the city a little better.




Nanjing has a long history, and served as the capital at different points in Chinese history. There are numerous museums and historical activities around the city. Different groups of students went to Purple Mountain to see Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, to the old Presidential Palace, and to the Nanjing Museum.

In an effort to escape the infamous Golden Week crowds, it was fun to explore some of the less touristy areas of Nanjing. The co-directors and other staff at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center encouraged students to go for walks around the center to see the city’s different neighborhoods. One neighborhood, the Xuanwu Lake area, has a beautiful park and is just a short walk from campus. Although we’d been there before, Golden Week was a great time to go because everyone was out enjoying the last few weeks of summer weather with their friends and family.


Several of us also took advantage of the sales at some local shops during Golden Week. We went to a tea shop in the art district of Nanjing and enjoyed different types of tea and small snacks. After learning about the different teas, we each had the opportunity to make and serve the tea ourselves. Although it was unexpectedly difficult, it was great to learn together!


Of course, as Golden Week came to an end, classes picked up again and the weather began to get colder. As we get busier, it was great to have a week off during the beginning of the semester to spend getting to know the people at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and Nanjing!

Written by Hope Parker, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Wordless Wednesdays: Around Nanjing

For this week’s Wordless Wednesday, student blogger Cady Deck, Certificate ’19, shares photos of daily life around Nanjing. 











Photos by Cady Deck, Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate ’19

Friday, October 12, 2018

Meet the 2018-2019 Student Bloggers in Nanjing

Meet our new student bloggers in Nanjing! Sam Olson, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20, Cady Deck, Certificate ’19, and Hope Parker, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20, will be sharing their experiences studying and living at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center throughout the year.


Sam Olson, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20 (left) 

Hi everyone! My name is Sam Olson, and I am a first-year master’s student at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center double-concentrating in international politics and Chinese studies.  I graduated from Brock University in Ontario, Canada, where I majored in tourism and environment. I started learning Chinese in middle school and knew from early on that I wanted to pursue a major and career that allowed me to work with China in some way.

I first heard about the Hopkins-Nanjing Center when I attended the Middlebury College Summer Language School. There were several aspects that drew me to apply for the master’s program. First, the degree is jointly granted by both a top-tier American and top-tier Chinese university. Second, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center offers the opportunity to study about China in the country itself, which provides key insights that are hard to replicate when studying about China from a school located outside of China. Finally, studying in Nanjing provides the opportunity for international and Chinese students to live and work together. This unique environment not only increases cross-cultural understanding and learning, but also gives international students the chance to ask their Chinese classmates about their perspectives and experiences on what is taught in the classroom, and vice versa. For example, this semester I am taking a class called Social Issues of China’s Modernization, where we’ve been focusing on topics such as the hukou system and Reform and Opening Up.  I’ve had the opportunity to discuss these topics with my roommate and hear his experience with both issues. Having the opportunity to discuss such issues has broadened my understanding of the course material and given me insights that would be difficult to obtain elsewhere. 

The mission and the caliber of the alumni the Hopkins-Nanjing Center produces deeply inspires me, and I believe that this is truly a place worth sharing with the world. Working with the admissions office this year, I am excited to give you a glimpse of all the unique and amazing aspects! In addition, I hope to provide guidance and insightful tips as you navigate the application process.  Good luck, and I hope to see you at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center next year!

Cady Deck, Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate 19

Hello! My name is Cady Deck and I am a Certificate student at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. I graduated from The George Washington University (GW) last May with a double major in international affairs and political science and a minor in Chinese. I also studied abroad in Beijing, Kunming, and Taiwan. I learned about the Hopkins-Nanjing Center when an admissions representative came to GW last November and immediately knew I had to apply!

This semester I am taking three classes taught in Chinese and one class taught in English. One unique class I am taking this semester is called Chinese and American Thought: Bilingual Perspectives. Half of the students are Chinese and the other half are international students, which has already led to some interesting cultural and intellectual exchanges on a variety of topics as we examine and discuss primary texts in the Western and Chinese cannons in Chinese and English. I do not think I would have the opportunity to take a class like this anywhere else! Additionally, in any US institution I can sit in a library reading about China or take a course about China, but at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center I can discuss the lingering effects of the one child policy in Chinese with people inside China. Of course, I will also spend a fair amount of time in the library as well.

Even though it has only been a few weeks, like many students here, I am already involved in several extracurriculars, including basketball and volunteer teaching. One of the great things about the Hopkins-Nanjing Center is that students are encouraged to venture off campus to engage with the community, whether that be informally, like on the Nanjing University basketball courts, or formally, like teaching English at a local elementary school.

I am excited to blog about my experiences this semester and offer insights into what makes the Hopkins-Nanjing Center such a great place! I look forward to helping prospective students throughout the application process.

Hope Parker, Master of Arts in International Studies 20

Hi all! My name is Hope Parker and I am a first-year student in the Master of Arts in International Studies program at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. I am from the San Francisco Bay area, but I went to Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where I studied international relations, political science, and Chinese language and culture. Studying abroad in Beijing inspired me to continue studying Chinese and Chinese politics.

I first heard about the Hopkins-Nanjing Center while in Beijing as a junior at Wellesley College. I was excited by the opportunity to learn more about China in Chinese and from Chinese professors. In the first few weeks of classes I have already noticed unique opportunities that the Hopkins-Nanjing Center offers. Chinese and International students working and studying together requires us to engage in tough conversations and think critically about each other’s perspectives.

This semester I am taking four courses: International Political Economy, International Relations of East Asia, Transboundary Challenges to Law, and the Master’s Tutorial Course, which helps master’s students prepare for their theses. These courses have given me the chance to hear different perspectives on issues, which I would not have heard or understood in the United States. Additionally, even though the Hopkins-Nanjing Center is not a law school, students have the opportunity to participate in several different moot court teams and compete in China and abroad. This year, I am on the Jessup moot court team, which focuses on international law.

I am excited to help represent the Hopkins-Nanjing Center through the admissions office this year. Before arriving, I knew that it was a unique program. After being here, I am looking forward to helping prospective students understand the opportunities that they could have at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

From the Admissions Team: Tips for Applying to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center

As application season gets underway, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center admissions team has compiled our top tips to keep in mind as you start your application. We hope that these tips will help guide you through the application process. 

Tip #1: Write a personal statement that clearly addresses your individual academic and career goals and connects them to studying at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. It’s not called a “personal” statement for nothing!
  • Don’t waste this opportunity to tell admissions officers about your interests and career goals by rehashing your resume. Even if you don’t necessarily have a five- year plan, we are looking to see that you have thought out how you see the Hopkins-Nanjing Center as an essential piece of your future plans. In the past, we had one applicant write about lessons learned from playing ping pong with a Chinese classmate. Another applicant wrote about her experience at a Chinese rural hospital. We encourage you to get creative! 
  • Be sure to write your essay entirely in English, as everyone reviewing your application may not have Chinese proficiency. Chinese characters also often do not display correctly on our application system. If there’s a Chinese phrase that you want to reference, write in pinyin and include the English translation. 
  • You can also use the personal statement as an opportunity to address anything in your application that you might be concerned about. For example, if you scored lower than our recommended score on the Chinese proficiency test, let the admissions committee know about your plans to improve your Chinese. If you received lower grades during one semester, consider letting the committee know the reasons why and how you improved. 

Tip #2: Do your research and pay attention to the small details
  • Admissions officers like to see that you have taken the time to become familiar with the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and can articulate how you see yourself and your career goals fitting into our specific programs when writing your statement of purpose. 
  • When writing your essays, be sure to use the correct titles and names for professors, “Hopkins-Nanjing Center,” and “Johns Hopkins SAIS.” While using the incorrect title won’t be the deciding factor in your application, it will reflect your attention to detail to the admissions committee. It’s better to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and researched the institution ahead of time. 

Tip #3: There are more funding opportunities than you think, and external scholarship deadlines may fall before the program application deadline.

Tip #4: Consider completing an admissions interview
  • This year the admissions team is offering optional interviews, conducted in English, as part of the application process. Completing an interview is not required, but it is a good opportunity to let the admissions committee learn who you are beyond your test scores, transcript, and resume. Schedule an in-person or Skype interview by emailing nanjing@jhu.edu.  
  • If you aren’t able to complete an interview, don’t worry! The interviews are optional and it won’t negatively impact your application if you don’t have one. If you have a non-traditional background (for example you’ve never studied Chinese formally or were pursuing a different study/career track), an interview can be a great way to provide additional context to why you are the right fit for the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. 

Tip #5: Go for quality over quantity for your letters of recommendation.
  • You can submit 2-3 letters of recommendation with your application. Only submit a third letter of recommendation if it’s going to provide a new perspective from the other two. A good letter of recommendation should come from a professor, adviser, or work supervisor who knows you well and can speak to your specific strengths. Please note that letters of recommendation are required to be submitted in English. 
  • Be sure to ask your recommender for your letter well in advance of the application deadline. Since many graduate programs share similar deadlines, chances are that you will not be the only student asking your professor for a recommendation. 

Tip #6:  Submit a polished resume.
  • Limit your resume to one page and include specific experience and be personalized for your skills and your experience. 
  • The look and feel of a resume is important. It can make a difference to standardize the formatting and spacing on your resume.  

Tip #7:  If you want to know your admissions decision and financial aid package by the end of December, apply for early notification.
  • If you submit all of your application materials and financial aid application by November 1, you will receive your admissions decision and scholarship information by the end of December. This is does not mean you need to commit at that time – you have until April to confirm your enrollment.  

Tip #8: Proofread, proofread, proofread!
  • The last thing you want is for an admissions officer to have a negative impression on an otherwise great application because of a grammar mistake. It’s always great to have a second pair of eyes (or third or fourth!) on your application. Ask a friend, professor, or colleague to look over your application. 


Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Meet Tarela Osuobeni: Student Blogger in DC

Tarela spent a year at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center from 2016 to 2017 and is currently at Johns Hopkins SAIS to complete her Masters of Arts with a concentration in China studies. 

Tarela and her roommate after the HNC graduation ceremony
欢迎你们来到中美中心的博客!  I am excited to share my experiences with you as a Hopkins-Nanjing Center (HNC) certificate graduate and candidate for the Johns Hopkins University SAIS MA.

My Background: I was born in Nigeria and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. My interest in China began during undergrad at Duke University, where I studied political science and Chinese. During my time at Duke, I studied abroad in Beijing, Kunshan, and Suzhou. My China experiences challenged me to step out of my comfort zone linguistically and culturally. I loved my time abroad and wanted to return after graduation. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center certificate program was perfect because it catered to my academic interests (international relations and Chinese) and adventurous personality. I chose to come to DC for the SAIS MA program because I wanted to round out my experience in China by gaining additional quantitative skills needed for my desired career in political risk analysis geared toward East Asia.

My Hopkins-Nanjing Center Academic Experience:  By spending time at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, my ideas about how China sees itself in foreign relations, the global economy, and as a global problem-solver became more robust and holistic. I took courses such as国际法 (international law) where I was challenged to understand the South China Sea, international law, and international cases from China’s perspective. I was humbled by new insights on China’s relations with the rest of the world and was encouraged to step out of my personal experiences to view world events from a nuanced perspective.

Hopkins-Nanjing Center Highlights:  A few months ago, I met up with my Chinese roommate in New York.  During our conversation, we recalled our experiences in Nanjing over a bowl of hot, spicy noodles. In Chinese and English, we talked about the time we went to a Chinese rock concert and the scrumptious dinners we enjoyed at the one Indian place on Nanjing Road. I remembered being at her side when we cheered the basketball team to victories and reporting on the trip I took with other students to the China-Myanmar border. We talked about our friends who had started various student groups, such as the multicultural group, the dance group, the lacrosse interest groups, and many more. She told me about her recent hiking trip with other Hopkins-Nanjing Center alumni to the mountains in the state of Washington. I wasn’t surprised that students still kept in touch! As our conversation ended, I knew that our friendship would last us a lifetime because we had bonded over such unique adventures.


The Journey Continues: My journey continues as I complete the SAIS MA. While I am here, I am excited to share my experiences with you. Stay tuned for future posts on alumni, student experiences, and the transition from the Hopkins-Nanjing Center program to the SAIS MA program! 谢谢大家!

Written By Tarela Osuobeni, HNC Certificate’17/SAIS MA’19