Having spent a few months studying at Tsinghua, I can now confidently say that I made the right decision in coming here to study. I first decided in 2012 that I wanted to pursue a postgraduate degree, as getting on the career ladder is becoming progressively more competitive and the skills needed for jobs are becoming more varied. When making the decision on where I wanted to study, I decided very early on that I didn't want to continue my higher education in the UK (where I am from and did my underground degree), because I wanted to have a more international outlook, both academically and socially. Additionally, I thought that gaining the capacity to deeply understand and ultimately, relate to a different way of life would be a marketable skill that would give me invaluable insight into a different culture, and enable me to bring this new perception to everything I do in the future.
My decision in choosing China and specifically Beijing as my place of study was motivated by the international aspects of the city. Beijing, as China’s capital, is a modernised city full of vitality. I believe that it is the best place to be in China if you want to live a vibrant life full of surprising and enriching experiences. Beijing is also a melting pot of diverse cultures, where you can find thousands of years of rich history, ethnicities, ages and social groups.
Choosing Tsinghua as a place to study was no contest at all as it is a world-renowned education institute with a prestigious reputation. I knew that studying at Tsinghua would open my eyes up to today’s globalized world, in which international experience is critically important. My masters in Public Administration at SPPM in Tsinghua, is doing just that. It is providing me with a unique perspective on International Development issues and challenging my preconceived notions about my understanding of China. The faculty and staff of SPPM have been instrumental to my learning and progress, both as an individual and as a student. They are always readily available to provide assistance and support through my academia and personal life, as they understand the challenges that face international students acclimatising to a new environment.
Studying and understanding China’s successes and challenges have enabled me to bear witness to the dramatic transformation of a society at a speed and scale unprecedented in history. I feel that living in China has placed me in an advantageous position where I am not just reading about it, but gaining first hand experience of what development means. I am always learning through many wonderful, and often times constructively uncomfortable experiences that are moulding me into a true global citizen.
Saazi Kayima
