Time is flying. It is more than 3 and half years since I came to Denmark. I am a Ph.D. student at the Graduate School in Lifelong Learning in the Department of PAES. Our school started cooperation with the Institute of Vocational Education and Adult Education in East China Normal University (ECNU) in 2001. ECNU is in Shanghai, which is also my hometown. After I graduated with my master’s degree there, I came to RUC to continue my research. My study in Denmark was supported by the China Scholarship Council* (CSC). My main research interests are in qualitative research approaches, especially Life History Approach, and topic of professionalization and professional learning.  Applying a western theoretical framework to study a Chinese case is a double reflection of western and eastern culture in a historical context.

Living in Denmark was not easy in the beginning. Language is the most explicit problem. However, the whole environment of the social infrastructure is continuously becoming more convenient and international nowadays.  Nevertheless, living in Denmark reflects that the fairy tale of Anderson is not just romantic fantasy. The minds here appear freer and more critical. The lifestyles here show more human interest concerned.

I also made many Chinese friends here. Either the old generation of immigrants who came to Denmark with their business or the new generation of students studying here, they are all diligent, active and modest. I feel the warmth in the Chinese community here.

I am sure I will miss the place and all my international friends here when I go back to China. And I also welcome more Danish friends to visit China.

*China Scholarship Council (CSC) manages the State Scholarship Fund in China, which provides scholarships for Chinese students to study abroad. Each year, CSC sponsors more than 5000 Chinese Ph.D. students to study abroad. CSC pays living and traveling costs for Chinese Ph.D. students, but requires co-financing of foreign universities to waiver their tuition fees. 

In the photo it is my colleague and me