Profile: Yi-Fang Chen
What attracted you to the University of Reading?
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Reputation - good ranking in research and international renown
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Research support - relevant profession of my supervisor, and rich resource in the university.
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Location - where is near London, but not as expensive as living in London.
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Campus - vast green field and elegant view.
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Surrounding - good public order, friendly staff and neighbourhood.
As mentioned above, these are my concerns for the content of a university, which led my choice to the University of Reading. I am happy about my decision so far. Another interesting thing is the cosmopolitanism of the University, you can easily make friends with international students from many countries, who would indeed excite your life.
What do you think of Reading itself?
Although Reading is not a megacity as London, living here can have variety as well. You can be a high street fashion chaser or enjoy the green fields and take an easy stroll; if you really get bored, just pop on a train to London, it is only 35 minutes to reach the centre of capital!
However, compared to London, living expense is much cheaper in Reading, and the atmosphere is more calm, which is ideal for study.
Have you experienced any difficulties? How did you overcome them?
The first few weeks were tough for me, for the homesickness was the major difficulty to overcome. To conquer this, the idea is to make more friends soon, and convince yourself to embrace new cultures and explore new experiences. I believe that is exactly the benefit to study abroad - to open your horizon - and it will make some positive changes to your English ability as well.
As for the language, many foreign students would afraid to speak to native students, or be confused by their accent and slang; it is understandable, but it will take time to be accustomed to these; however, if you are still shy and prefer to use your home language, then you will never be able to improve this.
Do you have any advice you would like to share with future students?
A serious difficulty for an international postgraduate research student who studies here, is the few chances to obtain a studentship, and the tuition fee for non-EU students is very expensive. If you don't have any strong sponsors back home, it may be necessary to work part-time; however, any experience will eventually dissolve in your memory which might be cherished in the future, just attempt being more positive and optimistic!
Despite these challenges, life will be still interesting here, and the staff of the University are generally friendly and obliging, I would recommend joining some trips and events run by the International Focus, you can enjoy one-day trips and meet people. Additionally, try to join some local events as well, it will be a good opportunity to observe local culture and have fun; don't miss the Reading Festival, although the ticket is expensive and too popular to get one!
What do you think you have gained from the experience?
Before I started my academic course, I strived to improve my English in terms of every aspects in order to gain the best effect from lectures, and be familiar with the system, equipments and services of the library; this really crucial for setting out your study.
Personally, I feel the experience from study abroad is as important as academic knowledge; I want to explore the world outside my country and see different things, this idea led my determination to keep studying and go abroad.
I believe this journey will finally bring something to inspire me. And I do find that to get some distance from everything you have taken for granted will revise your opinions and create a new sight on things.
What are you planning to do after you complete your course?
After completing my study, I would like to come back to my country and find a position in a university or an equivalent institution.
