In October 2022 Wenxue Fan joined the Erasmus Initiative Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity as a guest PhD student, originally hailing from Fudan University. Now, one year later, it was time for her to return to China to finalize her studies. But while she was looking forward to returning to her family and her home country, her stay in the Netherlands has also left a profound impression with her. In this article Wenxue shares her experiences with us, and how her adventure has changed her.
Unveiling the diverse roles in conferences
During my study at DoIP and EUR, I have had the opportunity to actively participate in a variety of workshops, lectures, and conferences. What truly excited me about these events was the opportunity to immerse myself in the academic vibe of the university, and to observe how presenters, discussants, panel chairs, and the audience dynamically engage and respond with and to each other. These invaluable experiences have provided me with a deeper understanding of the diverse responsibilities and roles within the academic realm. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of embracing several of these roles myself, each contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. I assumed the role of a presenter, delivering a proposal report to members of DoIP and learning to effectively convey my ideas and react to discussions. At PMRC in Utrecht, I simultaneously took on the roles of presenter and panel chair. As a participant at IRSPM in Budapest, I played the role of an attentive audience member, actively absorbing knowledge and insights. Furthermore, I had the honor of serving as a discussant at a special issue workshop hosted by Local Government Studies, where I facilitated dialogues and offered recommendations to authors. These multifaceted experiences have undoubtedly broadened my understanding of the academic world.
Everywhere there is something to learn
In October 2023, I took part in a university-level English writing competition. The first task I was assigned was to write a persuasive essay discussing whether or not Wanghong cities should be promoted, given their mixed nature of benefits and shortcomings. In Chinese, Wang means net/internet, and hong means red, indicating that something is really popular among the public. Therefore, Wanghong cities are known for their attractive visual appeal, photogenic locations, unique food, and featured history, which gain popularity on social media platforms. Notable examples include Chongqing Municipality and Changsha City. When planning the structure of the article, I could draw on my previous understanding of city branding from my time at DoIP. Every time I was going back home from the office with Run, we used to talk about our dissertations and article progress. She enthusiastically introduced me to the concept of city branding, explaining what it entails, how local governments and stakeholders think about it, the research methods involved, and the reasons behind selecting specific cities for study. I was able to apply this newfound knowledge in my essay, in which I explained that building Wanghong cities may serve as an essential method of city branding. It simultaneously contributes to the local economy by boosting tourism and encouraging citizen participation in city development. This experience indeed reflects the idea that “everywhere there is something to learn.” Even when the topics aren’t directly related to my research, I’ve come to realize the importance of staying open-minded and actively seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge.
Language learning is fascinating
I’ve found the process of learning languages fascinating, especially when using different methods. Europe is home to many different languages, and whenever I travel to different countries, I enjoy exploring the nuances and similarities between them. For instance, during my stay in the Netherlands, I noticed the words “ingang (entrance)” and “uitgang (exit)” displayed prominently at metro stations. When I visited Düsseldorf, I observed the word “Ausgang” at the train station, which also means “exit” in German. Although I hadn’t formally studied German, I was able to deduce its meaning by observing the movement of passengers and noticing its similarity to the Dutch word “uitgang”.
Interestingly, my approach to learning or knowing each of the three languages I know (Chinese, English, and Dutch) has been quite distinct, representing different language learning methods. Chinese, being my mother tongue, has been acquired naturally through everyday conversations at home since I was born. In contrast, my English education started in primary school when I was in the third grade (10 years old). We had weekly English classes where we began the first class with basic vocabulary related to stationery items like pens, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners. As I progressed through grades, the focus shifted towards developing the four fundamental language skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. However, much of what we learned was textbook English, and I quickly realized that exposure to real-life English was crucial. Fortunately, my experiences abroad have provided me with ample opportunities to immerse myself in authentic English. As for Dutch, I find it intriguing to understand even a little bit of the language. I have picked up some words during my shopping trips. By carefully examining label information and the contents of various products, I can connect the words to their corresponding items. It’s a rewarding experience to gradually expand my Dutch vocabulary and grasp the language in practical contexts.
Exploration through traveling
My study abroad adventure in the Netherlands turned out to be much more than just an academic pursuit. It was a journey of exploration, discovery, and personal growth that led me to visit several enchanting European destinations. As soon as the weather became warmer, I started to schedule more traveling during weekends and holidays. I started my exploration of Europe with Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, the Hague, Delft, Gouda, Haarlem, Leiden, Tilburg, Dordrecht, etc. Canal viewing on sunny days, typical architecture in old cities, and the engaging museums really captivated me. The unexpected delight was my discovery of a large,old windmill near Gouda’s city center, which is open to the public. I climbed a steep and narrow staircase to the first floor where the volunteers were talking about the next steps to preserve and oversee the windmill, and they were welcoming and warm enough to introduce me to how the windmill works and its role in Dutch history.
I also had the incredible opportunity to explore neighboring countries like France, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Switzerland, and Spain. These diverse experiences allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Europe’s multifaceted charm. And traveling to different places also enabled me to pick up some basic greeting phrases from conversations with local residents. I often travel alone (with my toy monkey as my companion), which gives me the freedom to choose my destinations, arrange my transportation, and adjust my schedule as needed. It is through traveling that I gradually improved my ability to remain calm and find solutions when facing emergencies, such as train delays. I also learned to always have a plan B in case a sightseeing spot is closed on a specific festival day. Additionally, traveling has taught me to fully enjoy unexpected encounters. Through each journey, I continue to refine my ability to embrace the unknown, making my travel experiences all the more enriching.
Continuing the journey
My year of studying in the Netherlands has been an incredible journey filled with amazing experiences, personal growth, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures. From the stimulating conferences I attended to the breathtaking travel adventures that took me across the European continent, each moment offered valuable insights. What made it even more special was the support and friendship from people around me. I loved every lunchtime conversation with colleagues at DoIP. The festive gatherings with neighbors during cultural festivals were a blast too. Making friends with fellow PhD students from various universities and having a campus tour together added a whole new dimension to my experience. Moreover, the connections I built during these interactions expanded my network, and just last weekend, I had the pleasure of reuniting with some of them at a public administration conference in Fudan. As I look ahead to the next chapter of my academic and personal journey, I am eager to carry forward the invaluable lessons and experiences I’ve gained. And I firmly believe that this year has been just the beginning, not the end, of my adventure.