Letter to Prospective Students: Reflection on my experience in Nanjing and DC

Dear Prospective Hopkins-Nanjing Center Student,

You may still be in the process of deciding whether the Hopkins-Nanjing Center is the right choice for your career and for your next few years of life. This is a big decision. Partaking in the Hopkins-Nanjing Center doesn’t just mean that you will grow to understand China from an insider perspective through studying international relations in Chinese, but it also means living in China for at least a year. It means immersing yourself in a completely different culture through building new relationships, improving your language skills, traveling around China, and tasting new foods.

 Picture of Xuanwu Lake I took during one of my walks

As a student who has gone through the Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate program and is finishing the Johns Hopkins SAIS MA, I’d like to share my experiences with you! Nanjing’s historical and relaxed city was my home for a year. I took many walks around Xuanwu Lake and visited the Presidential Palace several times with friends. Over many meals in the cafeteria, these same friends engaged me in interesting discussions on the Chinese education system and media in China. For the first time, I was around students with similar interests in China who had studied Chinese for years. They were just as curious and interested in the Chinese way of doing things as I was. My Hopkins-Nanjing Center friends supported me in my daily life and helped me with some of my goals, such as ideas about career paths to pursue. They even gave me smiles of encouragement from the back row of the class during my most challenging Chinese presentation on China-Southeast Asia relations. You will not only grow in your Chinese speaking abilities and understanding of Chinese politics culture  but you’ll also grow in your ability to connect with people of different backgrounds and ideas.

A lot of food options are conveniently located on Shanghai Road just outside the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. Jiaozi, noodles, and hot pot became my main meals and at times, I did miss food from home. When I craved American food, the popular Bluefrog burger restaurant was just a taxi ride away!

 Some classmates in Ruili, China

Almost everything I learned about China’s development in class came to life when I explored China beyond Nanjing. Visiting Shanghai was easiest because it was only a fast train away from Nanjing. When I visited the top of the Shanghai tower to look over the city, the product of China’s urbanization policies were evident as I marveled at China’s urban development. A few weeks later, I traveled on the slow train to Huangshan to hike the yellow rolling mountains that I had seen in old style Chinese paintings. They actually exist! After all these adventures, and building new relationships, leaving China was hard. Sometimes, I still miss the city and miss the connections I made with students and faculty.

My experience at Johns Hopkins SAIS DC for the second half of the program was a new adventure all together. The bustling and culturally rich city of DC became my new home. I quickly found time to explore the city including the capitol building, monuments, and museums on the National Mall. The academic challenge at Johns Hopkins SAIS has been different from the Hopkins-Nanjing Center because I’ve had to primarily tackle quantitative based courses. If you’re worried about that challenge, do not be afraid. The quantitative classes have helped me better understand all my class readings that are filled with regression models and economic statistics. While I have enjoyed these classes, I have most enjoyed my Chinese language classes and China studies classes. These classes remind me of my time in China and continue to satisfy my curiosity to know more about the Asia-pacific region.

Through this program so far, I have acquired quantitative skills, language skills, and an enhanced ability to navigate between different cultures. My experiences at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and Johns Hopkins SAIS have prepared me to pursue academic and career interests in China-Africa-US relations. I hope my brief explanation of my experiences has helped you see how this program may fit some of your future goals and enhance your life experiences. All the best as you make your decisions to apply to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center!

Sincerely,
Tarela Ousobeni 

Written By Tarela Osuobeni Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate’ 17, SAIS MA’19

Student Profile: Hilde Marie Moholth

Name: Hilde Marie Moholth

Program: Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate + Johns Hopkins SAIS MAIA

Hometown: Kongsberg, Norway

Undergraduate Institution and Major: Chinese University of Hong Kong, Contemporary China Studies (Bachelor of Social Science BSSC)

Tell us about your background and how you became interested in China.
I had a vague interest in all things related to Asia when I was a child. Through a high school exchange, I ended up in Hong Kong. I had decided that if I were to study abroad, I would go somewhere really different. I returned to Norway to finish high school, did a year of engineering, and then did a gap year to study Chinese martial arts and Chinese language. After high school, I went to live and study in a tiny village in the west of Norway, where there was a school for students who had finished high school but did not want to start university yet. I met a couple who had gone to 北京体育大学 (Beijing Sport University) and did 武术 (Wushu). They taught us Chinese and martial arts and then we went to China together. While I was there, I decided that I really missed Hong Kong and wanted to go back, so I applied to the Chinese University of Hong Kong, got in, and it was great!

What encouraged you to apply to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center?
I’m interested in working for the Norwegian government, either for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or someplace where I can actually use my interest in China in a productive way. So, after college, I considered what type of education I could do that would qualify me for that work. I did an internship at the consulate in Guangzhou, where I learned a lot about foreign policy. My time there inspired me to continue developing the skills I used there in writing reports. I wanted to attain the skills and knowledge necessary to do analytical policy work with confidence. I looked at different international studies and diplomacy related programs, and then I talked to my adviser, who recognized my background in China and said that Johns Hopkins SAIS would be good for that field, so I applied.

How was your experience adjusting to the Chinese coursework? Do you have any tips for future students? 
The first semester was pretty intense. I reached a certain point where I realized that I probably cannot fully read all of my readings word for word, but I can do my best. It was helpful to accept that as a reality of studying here. Around midterms, I felt like I had it under control. This semester, because of the classes I chose, the workload is significantly less. Last semester I had four essay-based courses, but this semester I only have three essay-based courses and one with a midterm, so it doesn’t feel as stressful. There was definitely a transition period where I was stressing about my coursework, but it passed. I noticed that when I actually take the time to translate the things I don’t understand, I improve the most, and it helps me read faster later.

What has been one or two of your favorite classes this year?
How can I pick? This semester I’m really enjoying my History and Philosophy of Law in China course.  Honestly, the class is difficult at times, but the teacher is super knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the topic. It involves history and the philosophy behind the legal system, which I find really interesting. It’s fun to compare what we learn in class with how I’ve seen the legal system portrayed in the historical dramas that I enjoy watching. I really enjoyed my Chinese Anthropology class last semester as well. It had a lot of reading, but I felt like I learned a lot through the readings and the class discussions. It was not a lecture-based class, and it had a different feel compared to courses that were mainly lectures.

How has your experience been living in a bilingual community?
Sometimes it’s a little bit confusing because I’ll be talking with my roommate and we’ll both be speaking Chinese, and then suddenly we’ll switch to English, and then someone will answer in Chinese. There’s a constant back and forth in accordance with whether you can express an idea in the language you are using. If you want to improve your Chinese, it’s definitely a great environment because it’s not only about living here with Americans and people from other countries, but you are in China, which gives you lots of opportunities to speak Chinese.

If you are involved in any extracurricular activities or student groups, could you please tell us about that?
I joined Moot Court. I had never had any law or debating experience before signing up for it. It sounded like fun because usually when I present, I trail off on a tangent and then I go over time, so I thought it would improve my public speaking. I would say it was probably the most stressful course or activity I did, but it was also very rewarding. We had the chance to go to Beijing and compete against actual law school students. I learned a lot and ended up writing a long paper on the same topic for my law course. It made me want to continue studying law while I’m here. I also joined my erhu class. Last semester I was pretty busy and had to miss some classes, but this semester I’ve gone to every lesson and I’m getting better. I can almost play on the entire instrument now. I’m really enjoying it—I have this dream of playing a duet in a park here. A friend in Hong Kong started playing recently too so hopefully it will be a reality soon.

You will be doing your second year at SAIS Europe. What made you decide to do a year each in Nanjing, China and Bologna, Italy?
There were several reasons. Overall, I wanted to experience additional cultures. Given that I’m aiming to do something in the Foreign Service or government-related in Norway, it’s just as useful to have a background in another European country as it is to have experience in the US. I’m extending my time in Bologna to a year so that I have a greater chance at improving my Italian because I don’t think I can learn Italian in half a year while simultaneously taking other courses. This will be my fifth year away from Europe and sometimes I don’t have the opportunity to go home for special occasions or because it’s too expensive. I am looking forward to visiting home and seeing my family more frequently. I’ve never been to Italy, and I’d love to have more experiences in other parts of Europe.

Do you have any advice for prospective students?
The Hopkins-Nanjing Center is a great place to come if you want to experience more of China and improve your Chinese skills, especially if you want the confidence to write papers or read more in Chinese. I came here because I really wanted to “bump up” my Chinese to the next level before I finished my time in China, and I can definitely do that here.

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

Day in the Life of a Hopkins-Nanjing Center Student: Cady Deck

Certificate Student Cady Deck ’19 shares what her typical day is like at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center.

Below is a brief overview of an average weekday for me at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. As a Certificate student, this semester I am taking three classes taught in Chinese and one class taught in English.

8:00 AM
In the mornings I usually go for a run around 玄武湖 (Xuanwu Lake) or along 秦淮河 (Qinhuai River). I find that running is a great way to explore the city and briefly leave the Hopkins-Nanjing Center bubble. 

9:30 AM
I’m someone who has to eat breakfast every day. I rarely make it to the cafeteria before it closes, so I usually eat in my room. I stock up on breakfast foods at 百家, the grocery store around the corner from the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. My go-to breakfast is granola with yogurt and fruit.

9:50 AM
Every Monday I have a class called Ethnic Minorities in Chinese Society. Recently we’ve been reading and discussing articles about different ethnic minority groups in detail based on many different aspects, including cultural, political, and economic perspectives. This is one of my favorite classes because it is very discussion-based. Every class, one or two students gives a presentation and then we discuss them in detail, followed by that day’s planned lecture.

11:20 AM
To save time and money, I almost always eat lunch in the cafeteria. Sometimes I will go to the “secret dumpling place” on the 南大 campus, but only once or twice a month. Going to the cafeteria is a good way to catch up with friends, continue conversations with professors after class, or sit down with random people and converse in both Chinese and English.

12:00 – 2:30 PM
After lunch, I usually go to the lounge to do some homework. If I have a big paper to do or need a quieter atmosphere, I go to the 5th floor reading room. If it is a nice day outside, I’ll sit out on the terrace and read or hang out on the “quad” with people while doing my readings.

2:30 – 4:00 PM
Once a week, or twice if my homework load is light, I play basketball or soccer with Hopkins-Nanjing Center students and international students studying at Nanjing University. Now that spring has arrived, it’s impossible to not want to go outside and soak in the sun.

4:30 PM
My China on the Border class is composed of half Chinese students and half international students. Every day we cover a different aspect of border regions’ relationships with China at the local and national level. A significant part of the class is planning and participating in a spring break research trip to a border area. This trip is completely organized by the students, including choosing groups, booking flights and hotels, deciding what to study, and much more. After spring break, we will present our research to the community and write our final papers on similar topics. My group is going to Ruili, a town in Yunnan Province that borders Myanmar.

6:30 PM
I always try to eat dinner somewhere other than the cafeteria to explore the surrounding areas. Often, I eat dinner on or near the Nanjing University campus, but if I have time I’ll go to 新街口 station and eat something I can’t find near campus. On campus there are 4-5 restaurants I frequently go to, including a 汤包 (soup dumpling) restaurant, a Korean-style 拌饭 (bibimbap) place, and a Sichuan noodle restaurant.

8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Back to the lounge or the 5th floor reading room to finish up my readings and put the finishing touches on any papers due soon. This time is also when I usually switch papers with a Chinese classmate so that we can look over each other’s papers and edit any glaring grammatical mistakes.

10:30 – 11:30 PM

 

I try to finish my work by around 10 or 10:30 so that I can relax for an hour or so before going to bed. One of my favorite nighttime activities is to play board games in the lounge with other students. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center has a wide variety of Chinese and English board games, such as Settlers of Catan, 围棋 (Go), Bananagrams, and 麻将 (Mahjong).

11:45 PM

Bedtime!

Written by Cady Deck, Certificate ‘19

The 2019 Annual Hopkins-Nanjing Center Photo Contest

For the last three years, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center has held an annual photo contest. Students submit their best photos from studying at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, living in Nanjing, traveling during school breaks, or visiting home. Winning photos are selected from the following categories: Best Travel Photo, Most Thought-Provoking, Most Beautiful, Most Creative, Most “HNC”, and Best Overall. Check out the winning photos from this year below!

Best Travel Photo and Best Overall

Chris Vandiford, Master of Arts in International Studies ’19 

Don’t look down
别往下看

Most Beautiful

Jiang Hao, HNC Certificate ’19 

大西洋边的哈桑二世清真寺，摩洛哥卡萨布兰卡
 The Hassan II Mosque by the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca, Morocco

Most Beautiful

Hayden Paulsen, HNC Certificate ’19 + Johns Hopkins SAIS MA ’20  
Chongming Island 崇明岛

Most Creative, Fan Chengyi

Master of Arts in International Studies ’20

Late Autumn at the HNC
石冷开常晚，风多落亦频——中心晚秋

Most Creative

Ge Yongrui, Master of Arts in International Studies ’20

鸡鸣赏樱
Cherry blossoms on Jimingsi Road

Most HNC

John Glasgow, Master of Arts in International Studies ’19  

 “Nanjing Scene"/ “南京景色”: During my time here the weather in Nanjing has often been hard to live with, but sometimes, like in this picture I shot from my dorm window, Nanjing really can feel like home.
在南京已经住了两年，我发现这里的气候往往很难受，但有时候南京真开始好像我的家，比如在这张从我宿舍窗户拍的照片里

Most Thought-Provoking 

Lu Yuyan, HNC Certificate ’19 

  While doing field research in Yunling Village, we met a women with rough hands who was baking. Life in rural areas may be hard, but it's vivid as well.
我们在云岭村田野调查时遇到了正在做饼的一个阿姨，她的手很粗糙，但是每一个饼看起来都很好吃，农村的生活或许艰难，但是很生动。

Most Thought-Provoking

Tang Keyi , Master of Arts in International Studies ’19 

An Ethiopian Child (一个埃塞俄比亚男孩）

I took this picture while doing a fieldwork research in Hawassa, Ethiopia in August, 2018. Many Ethiopian boys risked their life to beg for money by following cars passing by their villages.
2018年8月摄于哈瓦萨，埃塞俄比亚。这个男孩冒着生命危险，追赶行进中的汽车，敲击着车窗向我乞讨。在埃塞俄比亚这已成为不少儿童谋生的手段。