Fascinated by different languages and cultures, I have always wanted to delve deeper into the field of intercultural communication, an area of study that is also deeply relevant in this increasingly globalized world.
I am a second-year master’s degree student at the Ģֱ and my programme is called Language, Globalization and Intercultural Communication (LAGIC) under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Department of Language and Communication Studies.
My journey to JYU is quite straightforward. I grew up in China, had my bachelor's degree in the United States in International Relations, along with some exchange experiences in Denmark and Japan. Fascinated by different languages and cultures, I have always wanted to delve deeper into the field of intercultural communication, an area of study that is also deeply relevant in this increasingly globalized world. So when I found out about the LAGIC programme at JYU, a programme that spoke right to my area of interest, I did not hesitate to apply, and now I’m here.
JYU provides opportunities for learning and growth
After a year here at the Ģֱ, I came to appreciate this place more. One thing I love the most about my programme is the possibilities it offers to students, the possibilities to explore a wide range of research interests and topics that not only enrich one’s perspectives and ways of thinking, but also invite them to think more critically and reflexively and to put theories into practice.
For example, taken for granted as it has been, communication itself is actually a layered and deeply complex process. The meanings anticipated and received, the discourse(s), the use of multiple languages in one dialogue such as code-switching and translanguaging... A better understanding and application of these concepts in life can be truly liberating, as they have helped me to become more culturally competent in conversations and beyond.
“Here at JYU, you get to learn about the world, but most importantly, you get to know yourself in ways you have never imagined before.”
The courses, conversations and exchanges that I’m lucky enough to have here all more or less push me to revisit my own multicultural and multilingual experiences in a different light, igniting a brand-new understanding of myself and who I would like to become. After all, here at JYU, you get to learn about the world, but most importantly, you get to know yourself in ways you have never imagined before.
University community that supports student activities
Another thing I love about JYU is the generous support it offers to help students get involved with activities and build their own communities. Thanks to the constant support from the student union JYY, I was able to establish an art club (Taideklubi) within the first few months of my study at JYU, a hobby club that meets every Tuesday on campus and brings together both Finnish and international students who are interested in doing art.
Art club meetings as well as the wonderful members that I have encountered are a major highlight of my time here; I was able to sustain my passion for art while improving my art skills and building connections with so many like-minded people. For many members, myself included, Taideklubi Tuesday becomes their favorite day of the week, something to look forward to every week. None of these would be possible without JYU’s support in student activities. This is truly a place that cares about student-welling and offers support to build a sense of community for students.
At JYU you can be creative and even daring
Here at JYU, opportunities are abundant and it is up to you how you would like to make the best use of them to fit your personal interests and goals. The establishment of my art club originally started with just an idea to create a space for art on campus. Yet after many efforts in reaching out to and communicating with different offices on and off campus, this idea grew into a JYYbelong art club and later it became official as Jyväskylän yliopiston Taideklubi.
At our university, there are opportunities and support to help you to create your unique JYU experience. You just need to be proactive and dare to turn your ideas into realities by pushing for them and making the most of what JYU has to offer. Be creative and even daring. Everything has to start somewhere and let it start here!
Xiaoting Hu
Master's degree student
Language, Globalization and Intercultural Communication
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
