Hello everyone! I’m Lin Lian, majoring in East Asian Studies (Hons). There are several compelling reasons that I choose to study this program. Initially, the University of Manchester has a strong reputation in East Asian Studies, and I have received a high-quality education and access to expert faculty members in my first academic year. Moreover, EAS involves multiple disciplines such as religion, culture, anthropology, politics, economics, socialism, history, etc. UOM provides multidisciplinary approach, allowing us to gain comprehensive understanding of the region. Additionally, EAS offers the language programs including Japanese, Chinese and Korean, boosting language skills to become more proficient. Furthermore, if you are willing to travel abroad, EAS should be one of your choices. In this program, you can study and participate the exchange program in East Asian countries, immersing yourself in the culture and language.

The course structure is flexible. We have up to 40 free credits and satisfying 80 credits of EAS module is compulsory. Also, the modules cover many aspects of East Asian countries. If you ask me which module leaves the deepest impression on me, History and Civilisation JAPA10111 and Visual Culture in China and East Asia CHIN 12522 definitely fit this bill down to a T. For the former module, I got to know the history of Japan from the prehistory to the end of World War II and it develops us to engage critically with historical analysis and formulate cogent, well-structured arguments to in answer to historical questions. For the latter one, we hold the discussion session for each lecture and seminar. We admired the different artworks, consisting heritage layout, porcelain, scroll, textile, ornament, etc. By comparing to different artworks, the distinctiveness and the aesthetics trend could be observed from the ancient to the contemporary East Asian region.

For our daily life, the university offers a wide array of clubs, societies, and student organisation covering various interests, hobbies, and academic area. Furthermore, The University of Manchester Student’s Union (UMSU) plays a central role in student life, and you can find your interest by joining different activities organised by various societies. For me personally, I have been participating in social gatherings initiated by SSSMUK and met many friends from the similar backgrounds. As an international student, it offers me a great sense of belonging and released my homesickness. UOM also provides a great range of job opportunities to students who wish to support their livings. I have been working as a student ambassador. Through this I have learned communication and problem solving skills when working with colleagues who are nice and gentle.

Overall, I really enjoy both my academic learning and student life at UOM. As an advice for the freshers and the students who wish to join UOM, it is important to stay communication with the school staffs and your seniors. On one hand, it will help you to keep update about the information relating to the course such as the recent changes and deadlines, so you will not miss on anything. On the other hand, you can always seek for help when you are under stress or face any difficulties during your study and life. We will always be there for you.

Written by Lin Lian, a 2nd year BA East Asian Studies student 

Related