Creativity Through Ceramics

Ceramics classes have always been a way for me to unwind and get lost in the process of creating something with my own two hands. Upon coming to Nanjing, I wanted to find a new studio and use the experience to branch out into the city. I was lucky enough to experience two sides of ceramics in Nanjing: DIY activities made for a one-time experience, and professional studios of students majoring in ceramics. This blog delves into my personal experiences with ceramics and the community in Nanjing as well as my plans to continue my involvement in the future.

Taking a DIY Ceramics Class 

To kickstart the studio-finding process, I spent several days searching on 小红书 xiǎo hóng shū (a Chinese equivalent of Instagram) as well as on 百度地图 bǎidù dìtú (a Chinese equivalent of Google) trying to find a convenient and accessible studio. I quickly learned that experiencing ceramics here is a bit different. Unlike the weekly class packs and set studio hours I’m used to in the United States, many people in China approach creative activities like pottery, dance, or DIY crafts in a much more flexible way. According to my Chinese friends, most Chinese people book a one-time class whenever the mood strikes, signing up through apps like 大众点评 dàzhòng diǎnpíng, which makes finding DIY classes easy and accessible. 

I decided to try it out for myself, purchasing a single ceramics class through 大众点评 dàzhòng diǎnpíng for 113 yuan (about $16) — which is very affordable compared to classes in the US. The class also did not require any rigid scheduling. Once purchased, it was valid for up to 90 days, so I was able to drop by whenever was convenient!  

Unlike the pottery studios I frequent back home which are typically located in community centers, this ceramics store was in the kids' section of a shopping mall, with lots of cute, bright glazes and specific character-focused painting options. Despite being the only adult there without kids, no one seemed to mind, and I felt free to dive into the experience. I noticed that the staff were mostly throwing the pots for everyone, but I was insistent on giving it a try myself.  The teacher was very helpful, and we talked about how the throwing methods and equipment at the store were different from what I had previously experienced in America. For example, the store used porcelain clay, which is more water-absorbent and a bit trickier to work with than the clay I usually handle. I had trouble building up the walls of my pot because I accidentally thinned it out too much, and I eventually was left with a pot about half the size of the clay I had started with.  

Once my pot was somewhat stable, I moved on to trimming, and, thanks to my previous experience, I was able to do it myself while the teachers helped others. I most enjoyed the painting experience. Typically, I dip my pieces for color back home, but here they had a rainbow of slips, and many smaller brushes, so I was encouraged to experiment! I sketched koi fish and lily pads in pencil on my pot before painting over them with a clay-based slip. It was a new technique for me, and I enjoyed the creative freedom it offered (though my painting skills are very limited).

In total, the experience took about 2.5 hours— around the same amount of time I’d usually spend at my studio back home. However, there were some differences. I noticed they used a tool that looked like a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, which initially made me a bit nervous since I worried about cracking. But when I asked the teachers, they explained that they use quick-dry clay, and the machine was a special clay dryer designed to avoid cracks. Since this type of pottery experience is a one-time event for most people, it’s structured to be completed in a single day. I liked this setup because I could take home my piece just a week after it had been fired in the kiln. 

I loved the experience of trying ceramics in a new way and bringing home a piece of art. That said, I was still on the hunt for a studio to work on longer-term projects and maybe dive a little deeper into the craft.  

Visiting a Ceramics Studio at Nanjing University of the Arts 

While the one-time DIY class offered a playful introduction to how most Chinese people interact with pottery, my visit to Nanjing University of the Arts provided a more structured look at ceramics study in China. One of my friends at the HNC heard that I was interested in learning more about ceramics and mentioned that her friend at Nanjing University of the Arts is a ceramics major. She asked him if we could visit his studio and look around. To my excitement, he said yes, and I was able to explore their studio! 

The Nanjing University of the Arts has an incredible ceramics studio in a huge warehouse. There is plenty of equipment, materials, and the space is open late for students working on their art projects. My new friend explained that the ceramics classes focus on using traditional mediums, and students also study the history of different art forms such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, and calligraphy. He brought us over to the wheels and let me try my hand at making a pot. The equipment was very familiar, with a large table for wedging clay, huge sinks, rows of wheels, and a room full of kilns. The space definitely felt similar to my studio back in the US.  

My new friend gave me a large piece of clay and I started trying to center it on the wheel to begin the process of making a bowl. The red clay they used was also different from the less water-absorbent gray clay I am used to, and I initially had some trouble handling it. I asked some of the students for help, and they explained that I was using too much pressure and water. Working more gently with clay is something I need to practice! It was really cool to see what techniques the students were learning in their college-level ceramics class. Even when the walls of my pot kept collapsing, my new friends gave me more clay and encouraged me to keep trying. Though I did not end up finishing a pot, I had a ton of fun! 

After cleaning up the workspace, we explored the exhibition room next to the studio, and I was able to learn more about the different types of ceramics styles, both traditional and abstract, that teachers and students were exploring in their coursework. I also got to see the different materials used, including special minerals and glazes, and checked out the many different types of traditional Chinese geometric patterns and natural scenes that students drew and painted on their works. After the tour, my new friends invited me to come back to their studio and try again, and I hope to do so soon! The studio is not open to the public for courses, which emphasizes how the middle ground between professional study of ceramics and a one-time experience is difficult to find in China. I am grateful for the kindness of my new friends for letting me try to find this happy medium. 

Future Plans 

Both of these experiences so far have really helped me keep in touch with my creative side while studying at HNC. In addition to honing my pottery skills, I am eager to delve deeper into the history and techniques unique to Chinese ceramics. I hope to learn more about different regional styles and visit Jingdezhen, one of China’s ceramics hubs that my HNC classmates recommend traveling to. I am excited to keep practicing my Mandarin while exploring Nanjing through ceramics! 

Written by Hannah Bases MAIS'26

Meet The Fall 2024 Banwei

The Sumerians of Ancient Mesopotamia established the first well documented government in human history, as they systematically ruled over their city-states with kings and religious leaders. Over 4500 years later we see a world organized by government entities from top to bottom, and educational institutions are no exception. So, what does this look like at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center? This blog introduces how student governance works at the HNC and the current student leaders in office.

Orientation is a whirlwind of new information, but an exciting time as you get to know your classmates, professors, and staff. Halfway through orientation elections are held for the positions of 班委 (Bān wěi). This position roughly translates to class committee, which is made up of four members who act as student representatives that meet with the administration. Their main roles are the planning of student events, tackling of any student issues which may arise, and relaying crucial information from the administration to current students. The 班委 lead by example as pillars of the community, and take initiative in bringing together the community. It is a prestigious position that comes with advantages such as private meetings with guest speakers and visitors and having information on upcoming events well in advance. 

The Voting Process

Each student falls under one of four categories: International Male, International Female, Chinese Male, Chinese Female. Students who wish to run must compete against others within their own category that also wish to run. 

You can only run for the position if nominated, either self-nominated or nominated by another student in which one may accept or deny that nomination. 

Each student who is nominated and wishes to run gets up to three minutes to deliver a speech to their classmates in either Mandarin or English (some choose both!). 

Majority votes through an anonymous participant survey grants you office as 班委.

Elections are held bi-annually at the start of each semester, and multiple terms are allowed. 

Meet Your Current 班委！

Female International Student Representative: 葛文娜 Gé wénnà (Gentle & Elegant) Savannah Glaves 

Where are you from? Easton, Kansas

What are some of your interests? I tend to spend most of my time playing video games and doing puzzles. I also have a tendency to pursue random hobbies, like crocheting and coloring, but then drop them for extended periods of time before returning to them when I’m not bombarded by school activities. I also love to engage in popular culture from other cultures, with one of my main ones being Korean pop music—my MAIS thesis is actually about soft power and Chinese popular culture!

What Inspired you to run? I decided to run for banwei after seeing the community they helped create last year. They were able to create what felt like a family even while crossing cultural boundaries. I wanted to help in creating that community as well, as it made me feel like I had made some of the closest friends in my life. I also really like planning events that help us—especially the Americans—feel more at home, like Halloween and Christmas.

Which fictional character is most like you? I’d have to say one of the characters I resonate most with is Kirby, which seems pretty on par for me with my love for video games. If anyone knows anything about Kirby, he inhales pretty much everything and absorbs their knowledge to be able to use their abilities. I wouldn’t say I can do that exactly, but I do have an extremely good memory and absorb lots of knowledge. My classmates have also probably seen how much Kirby stuff I have: a hat, socks, sweater, hoodie, pajama pants, card holder. There’s probably some stuff I’m forgetting as well. I also tend to say one-worded phrases like “meh,” or “bwah” (that’s the top two lately) which have absolutely no meaning to them, which reminds me of Kirby’s “Poyo.”

Male Chinese Student Representative: 吴泽凯 Wú Zékǎi (Favor & Triumph)

Where are you from? I am from Changnin district in Shanghai

What are some of your interests? I have a series of interests such as: military, modeling, reading, and badminton. All in addition to what I am learning now at the HNC in International Relations.

What Inspired you to run? I was a monitor of my university in the past. Additionally I really enjoy helping others. 

Which fictional character is most like you? Hathaway in Gundam

Female Chinese Student Representative: 刘柏松 Liú Bǎisōng (Cypress and Pine trees)

Where are you from? I come from Heilongjiang province, the northernmost province in China. It has four distinct seasons, among which I love winter most.
What are some of your interests? For me, I admire the pine trees with snow and ice, and also enjoy the smell of the cold wind in winter. I like paper books, not just for reading, but also the feeling of the materials. That brings me inner peace whenever I am frustrated. Going on adventures is also one of my favorite pursuits. This means trying new things and meeting new people. 

What Inspired you to run? All these adventures offer me the opportunity to find who I really am. That is one of the primary reasons why I ran for banwei. No one is an isolated island. Being helpful and caring about others, I felt like that is the mission of my life. I always motivate myself to experience new and difficult things, to test who I really am, what I truly want. Also, the students here are from different life stories, and I always try to have broader horizons of my life and world. I really appreciate the chance of being banwei and working together with brilliant people to make this community better. 

Which fictional character is most like you? Maybe I will describe myself as the Kung Fu Panda. I was encouraged by that movie in some special period in my life, so I hope I can focus on my issues and fight, until the end of my life.

Male International Student Representative: 沈皓君 Shěn Hàojūn 

(Bright & Monarch) Carlos Vicente Sanchez Paz 

Where are you from? I am from Quibdó, Colombia but have lived in New York City for a long time.

What are some of your interests? I love learning languages and art history, playing basketball and chess, and singing and dancing.

What Inspired you to run? I’ve always been very outgoing, and love being involved in my community. At first, I felt I might be stretching myself thin adding all these new responsibilities, but then I thought “Why not me” and so I wrote a speech and gave it my best shot. Plus it would be cool to call my mom afterwards and tell her I won an election. (She was ecstatic)

Which fictional character is most like you? Zoolander’s son from Zoolander 2.

Written by Carlos Vicente Sanchez Paz HNC Certificate + SAIS MAIR'26

Having a Peanut Allergy in China

When I first became interested in studying abroad in China, I was not thinking about the practical side of my daily life. In the United States nut allergies are very common and restaurants typically do not use peanut oil or are specific about allergens on their menus. In China; however, this is not always the case. I have a peanut allergy, which impacts how I can go out and consume food in China. However, though my allergy is something I now have to think about in my daily life here, it is manageable with a few tricks. This week's blog explores some useful considerations to staying safe with allergies. 

1.                  Know how to say your allergen correctly! 

The Mandarin characters for peanut are 花生 [huā shēng] and to express my allergy I say “我对花生过敏.[wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn]” You can say “我对[insert allergen]过敏.” Make sure you are pronouncing this correctly and get the attention of your server or food seller and get acknowledgement that they have heard you. Some people also have a card they carry around with them which state their allergies in writing so they can show the server in case of communication or pronunciation issues. 

2.                  Clearly advocate for yourself!  and get

                                ~SPECIFIC~ 

Sometimes in China allergies are not taken very seriously, as people might believe that you do not like the food. As someone with a severe allergy, I always want to make sure I am taken seriously. I will emphasize to the server that if I eat a peanut, I will go to the hospital “如果我吃花生[allergy]，我就会去医院. [rúguǒ wǒ chī huāshēng, wǒ jiù huì qù yīyuàn]” This may not necessarily be the case for me all the time, but I want to make sure that my server understands that this is not a food I do not like, it is one I cannot have. Additionally, I will clarify about the oil that is used. I will ask if there is any peanut oil in the food and will further clarify by asking what oil is used to ensure I know what I am eating. You can say “这菜有没有花生[allergen]油？你用什么油? [zhè cài yǒu méiyǒu huāshēngyóu? nǐ yòng shénme yóu?”

3.                  If you don’t know, don’t eat it! 

There are many times when I am extremely hungry or a friend offers me a snack, like a mooncake, and I just want to have it. However, if I cannot get clarification on my allergen, I refrain from trying the food/snack. It is better to be safe than sorry, and there are so many other safe foods to try. Be patient with yourself, and do not be afraid to speak up and ask for something else if the food in front of you does not feel safe. 

4.                  Check the ingredients list when purchasing snacks. 

It is very important to check the allergen information before you purchase snacks. Every Chinese food package has an ingredients list and allergen information [过敏源信息][guòmǐn yuán xìnxī]. Know the characters of your allergen so you can easily find it. If the allergen is not listed, it should be safe to eat. The package may also describe, as in the US, whether the product was made on equipment that is also used to make items with the allergen. Use your discretion here.

 5.                  Be aware of cross contamination at restaurants. 

If cross contamination is a big issue for you, make sure to ask if your food is being made in the same pan that has the food with the allergen. Especially check this if the restaurant says they also use the allergen in other foods they serve. If you are sharing food (like hot pot) with friends, be sure to let them know about your allergy and have utensils that are specifically used for the food you are eating. Sometimes people will use their chopsticks for multiple dishes, which causes cross-contamination. 

6.                  Tell your friends about your allergy! 

We look out for one another at the HNC, and it is very important to let people know that you have an allergy, especially if it is severe. Don’t be afraid to speak up and make sure your voice is heard! It’s much better to be open about it, even if it is a bit annoying, than to have your friend suddenly not know what to do if you have an allergy attack.  

Written by Hannah Bases MAIS'26

The Start of the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Let the fall 2024 semester begin! Hopkins-Nanjing Center students recently arrived on campus for orientation, and are already exploring all of the sights (and food) that Nanjing has to offer. There's nothing like the annual hike up Purple Mountain to start the semester off right!

Students pose for photos in front of the new welcome banner.

The hike up Purple Mountain begins!

Posing for a group shot after making it to the top. 

Discovering the culinary delights of Nanjing. 

The opening ceremony officially kicks off the start of the

academic year. 

Chinese Proficiency Admissions Requirement

To apply for any HNC program, you must provide Chinese reading and listening proficiency test results from one of the following language assessments: STAMP, HSK, ACTFL, CEFR, or ILR. Test results must be from within the last 12 months, and available for review before the application deadline. If you have not yet taken any of these tests, you can request to take the STAMP test via the online application.  

Should I even bother taking a language assessment? How could I possibly be ready for graduate courses in Chinese? 

Don't doubt yourself! Most incoming HNC students have completed 3-4 years of undergraduate Chinese language study. We don't expect you to be able to come in on your first day and be able to fluently discuss international relations in Chinese. This vocabulary is really something you pick up once you get to the HNC, so we encourage all interested students to take the STAMP test to gauge their level rather than assume their language ability is not high enough. 

What's the format of the STAMP test? 
The test questions are multiple-choice for both the listening and reading sections, and you can listen to every question twice. The STAMP is available in simplified Chinese only. If you are more familiar with traditional Chinese, that's ok! Just take your time and don't rush through it. Taking longer on the test won't have a negative impact on your results. 

The proficiency test covers diverse topics and subject matter. It tests your ability to understand main ideas from written Chinese passages and audio recordings. Note that there is no writing or speaking component to the STAMP. This test is reflective of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s classroom experience, in that you are tested on your comprehension rather than your ability to identify specific vocabulary words or grammar points.

The STAMP is also designed to challenge you and push you to the limit of your language ability. It is an adaptive test, which means as you answer questions correctly, the questions increase in difficulty. Even if you do not know the answer to a particular question, try your best to answer each question to the best of your ability. Applicants typically spend about 2 hours on this test. 

Is there a practice test? How do I prepare? 

There is a sample test available, but it is designed to ensure your computer is configured correctly for the reading and listening sections. The actual test will be more challenging. For example, you might read a section of a Chinese contract or listen to a segment of a real Chinese radio broadcast or interview. 

We often have applicants ask the admissions team how they can prepare for the Chinese proficiency test. While there is no formal study guide or textbook to help you prepare, there are still things you can do in preparation to take the test. Regularly reading Chinese news articles can be a great way to practice your reading comprehension skills. To improve your listening skills, tuning in to Chinese news broadcasts and podcasts, or even watching Chinese TV shows, can help you get used to hearing native speakers talk at a natural pace. Another tip is to listen to something in Chinese right before the test, so you are already in "Chinese mode" before you begin. Below are some resources that previous HNC students have indicated are beneficial for self-study ahead of the test:

• The Chairman's Bao (articles with vocab lists, grammar structures and recordings)
  
• American Mandarin Society (Weekly newsletter with Chinese news and phrases, podcasts and other resources)
  
• Voice of America Chinese Podcast
  
• Sinocism Newsletter (weekly Chinese-US relations news in Chinese and English)
  
• Global Times (Chinese newspaper)
  
• CNKI Database for Chinese Academic Articles

How to take the proficiency test 
To request the STAMP test, you will first need to start an application to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and complete the Chinese proficiency test tab. You will then be prompted to choose from two proctoring options: in person for $15 or virtual proctoring for $40. Once you complete this section of the application, you will receive an email within 2 business days from nanjing@jhu.edu with testing instructions and a link to pay your testing fee.

When to take the test

You can take the test any time before our application deadline (November 1 for early notification or February 1 for regular notification), but we generally recommend taking the test when you first begin your application. 

Can I take the test more than once? 

You can take the test once every three months, so it is a good idea to get a head start on the test to allow room for retaking, if necessary. It is also important to note that retaking the test does not negatively impact your application, particularly if there are signs of improvement. 

Getting your results
Once you have completed the test, you will need to notify the HNC Washington Office by emailing nanjing@jhu.edu, after which you will be emailed your test results. 

Test takers receive a Benchmark Level score for each section. These scores are categorized into three major levels (Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced), each with three sub-levels (low, mid, high). For those applying to the Certificate program (including the Certificate + MAIR and Certificate + MAIA), an Intermediate-High benchmark level is recommended. For those applying to the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS), we recommend a score in any advanced level. Applicants scoring below these levels can still be admitted, but will need to complete additional Chinese language study prior to  enrollment. 

So start your application and request the STAMP Chinese language proficiency test today!

As you prepare to take the STAMP Chinese proficiency test, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center admissions office at nanjing@jhu.edu for assistance.

Energy, Resources and Environment (ERE) at HNC

Students at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center choose their coursework from several concentration areas, including Energy, Resources and Environment (ERE). ERE focused students take classes from Professor Roger Raufer, Resident Professor at the HNC who joined the faculty in 2014. He has more than four decades of engineering consulting experience and has been an advisor for the UN, USAID, and World Bank. This week's blog explores Professor Raufer's busy spring semester.

Prof. Raufer at Nanjing University's School of Business

HNC’s Professor Roger Raufer had an especially busy Spring semester!  He spent the first part of the semester in Europe, giving his annual lectures on environmental policy at the IFP School near Paris.  He then went to Italy to present a Professional Skills Course (PSC) about emissions trading at the SAIS Europe campus in Bologna.  This course had a special focus on China’s nascent emissions trading program.  The course was funded by the Yeung Family Scholar Fund, a program designed to encourage innovative teaching related to China within SAIS.

From Bologna, Professor Raufer returned to the HNC to teach a compressed course entitled Economic Instruments for Pollution Control in the Spring-II semester.  This is a full-semester course offered over eight weeks, addressing such topics as carbon taxes, emissions trading, and the controversial role of carbon offsets.  Professor Raufer arranged two exceptional guest speakers:  Mr. Li Shaoyi is a former senior UN official who retired from the UN Environment Programme in Paris and had an office adjacent to Professor Raufer at the UN Secretariat office in New York.  Mr. Li spoke about trade issues and the role of the EU’s new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).  Next was Mr. David Fishman, an HNC 2014 alum who is a Shanghai-based Senior Manager at the Lantau Group, an energy advisory group.  Mr. Fishman spoke about the role of Green Electricity Certificates (GECs) in China’s power sector transition, as well as his observations about the impact of the country’s carbon market (currently still limited to the power sector).

Professor Raufer also had an opportunity to provide a lecture about carbon mitigation strategies for Professor Bu Maoliang’s MBA course at Nanjing University’s School of Business.  Professor Bu teaches ERE Economics in HNC’s ERE program, highlighting the shared-professor interactions between Nanjing University and HNC, which is especially valuable for both programs.

Finally, Professor Raufer is glad to report that the Fourth Edition of Springer’s Handbook of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation was recently published and contains an updated revision of his chapter on Emissions Trading. He is co-authored with – among others – Professor Carla Freeman, former HNC Co-Director and former head of the Foreign Policy Institute at SAIS; and Cory Combs, a SAIS alum and Associate Director of Energy at Trivium China.

Mr. Li Shaoyi and Prof. Raufer

Edited by Sam Trizza, HNC Certificate + MAIR '25

HNC and SAIS Alum Brian Hart: A Career Studying China

HNC alumni thrive in various sectors related to US-China relations, including government, business, journalism, and think tanks, often carving out unique specialties within their organizations. Brian Hart has done just that at CSIS. In our latest alumni profile, Brian shares captivating insights from his time at the HNC and his focused career journey.

Brian Hart is a fellow with the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where his research concentrates on Chinese foreign policy, military modernization, and Taiwan security issues. Before his current role, Brian conducted research for the Project 2049 Institute, the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, and Trivium China. He holds an HNC certificate and a master’s in international relations from SAIS, as well as a bachelor's degree in politics and international affairs from Wake Forest University.

How did you find yourself at the HNC?

I knew I wanted to go into a field focusing on China, which was clear from the work that I did as an undergrad––it was just a matter of finding the best program for me. I also wanted to spend time in China to improve my language skills and gain in-country experience, so SAIS and the HNC were at the top of my list from the beginning. Going in, I knew the HNC had a significant reputation within the China studies field, and it was the front-runner that luckily worked out for me. I was able to have an incredible experience in China and I still encourage a lot of current undergraduate students, whether at my alma mater or interns at CSIS, to apply to SAIS. It’s one of the best programs if you really want to research China.

Tell us about your work at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS).

At CSIS we have several different programs focused on China and I work on the China Power Project, which is geared toward researching the Chinese military, national security issues, foreign policy, and cross-strait relations. We dive deeper into security issues than some of our other programs, which focus more on economics, finance, or domestic Chinese politics. We have a good balance of issue areas between teams at CSIS and a lot of people working on China overall. 

CSIS and think tanks in general are fantastic places to be. It's been a great opportunity early on in my career to learn from people who have decades of experience and are at the top of their field. In terms of studying China, it’s given me a lot of opportunities to carve out my own path. I also appreciate that think tanks give you a balance of research and public engagement. I get the chance to engage with different people from both the policy community and academia. CSIS exists at a cross-section of several different research spaces and I’ve enjoyed that. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to work at a think tank in general.

The work of the China Power Project feels connected to the Security, Strategy, and Statecraft focus area at SAIS. Was this always your interest?

My main area of study at SAIS was China studies, which involved a broad focus on China. In fact, when I was at the HNC, I was more interested in domestic Chinese politics, specifically institutional reforms and similar topics within the Chinese Communist Party. I did an independent study with Professor Qi Lingling where I examined various organization reforms going on within the political system in China, especially the evolution of “leading small groups” (领导小组). I dug into that while at SAIS and I have continued similar work at CSIS, shifting more towards security-focused research. This involves researching the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), its modernization, and Chinese security policy more generally. It’s been a shift over time, but certainly many of the classes that I took at SAIS were relevant and prepared me well. At SAIS DC, I took a course on the PLA, which was foundational to my understanding of the Chinese military before my more in-depth work at CSIS. 

What is your favorite memory from your time at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center?

It’s not really a single memory, but I think some of my fondest memories are going out with friends to eat and hanging out at local restaurants, especially hole-in-the-wall places on Shanghai Road 上海路 near the HNC. Locals were often amused and excited about seeing so many foreigners in the neighborhood. I enjoyed the atmosphere of Nanjing and it stands out in my mind as one of the best Chinese cities that I've visited. So, getting to explore local spots, become a regular, and enjoy life in Nanjing really stands out as what I miss the most about my HNC experience. 

What is one skill you gained from your time at the HNC? Are these skills you use every day at CSIS when analyzing China?

For me, it’s being able to read Chinese academic articles and having the vocabulary to analyze them. That ability is a valuable asset for me in terms of the work that I do at CSIS. As someone based in DC, I want to go beyond just talking to Americans about what is going on in China. We really try to stay engaged in reading what Chinese experts and officials themselves are saying. That’s something that relatively few people can do. There are a lot of people who can visit China and can get around speaking colloquial Chinese which is an important skill to have. But I think the ability to dig into policy and academic issues in Chinese is a whole different ball game. My studies at the HNC put me in a great position to do the kind of work that I'm doing now. 

Pretty much every day I read some kind of Chinese language material, whether that's picking up articles on Xinhua or People's Daily that are relevant to major news stories or reading academic articles by Chinese scholars. At CSIS, we really want to ground our research in understanding China as best we can. That means reading what Chinese experts themselves are saying. 

What advice would you give to current or future HNC students about the type of work you do? 

I would say two things are relevant to anybody who wants to do this or any kind of work on China. One is to maintain your language skills. Once you leave China, it becomes much more challenging to keep your language skills fresh. There are always ways to practice though. Around Washington, DC and all over the country, there are language programs available in-person and remote, and I’ve utilized these. In fact, when I recently took refresher courses, it seemed like two-thirds of my small class was HNC alumni. Several were former classmates of mine, and we had no idea we would all be enrolling in the same course so that was a fun surprise.

The other one, I would say as you move through your career, carve out your area of China studies. China is a huge topic and I think it’s impossible to really be a strong expert on all issues. There’s just too much there: security, politics, trade, economics, etc. Find your niche and invest in that. It’s okay if you don’t come out of the HNC or SAIS knowing what it is exactly, but as you advance in your career, begin to carve it out.