When you reach the highest level of academic study, experience can translate to wisdom. This is certainly true of Dublin City University (DCU) PhD student Jing Wang. She has pursued her postgraduate degrees in Ireland, gaining unique insights and perspectives along the way. We chatted with Jing to understand more about her journey, the knowledge she has developed, and her life in Ireland.
Why Ireland?
Jing started her academic journey in Henan, China completing an undergraduate degree in English studies. She was always interested in languages and translation, especially with recent technological developments, including machine learning and artificial intelligence. It was always a natural progression for her skill and ability in the area to lead to postgraduate studies. That was why at a St Patrick’s Day parade in Shanghai, Ireland appeared on her radar.
“I was considering studying in Ireland but wanted to understand what I could expect. So, I went to the parade to find out and luckily met someone from Ireland there,” explains Jing, “He worked for the Irish consulate in Shanghai and let me know about the scholarship scheme offered by the government of Ireland. I decided to apply and with some of his advice on my writing, I got the scholarship to study for my master’s degree at Dublin City University in Ireland.”
This fortuitous meeting laid the foundation for the exciting academic journey to come. Jing arrived in Dublin in 2019, and when flying over the country for the first time, was struck by how green it was. Ireland lived up to the name of Emerald Isle, but Jing also admitted she soon discovered why. Rainy days are common, and it took her a few months to acclimatise. Jing has adapted to the weather so well that she can wear a t-shirt indoors during the colder months. One thing she does say she hasn’t gotten used to is the food, so she often looks for restaurants serving Chinese cuisine or cooks for herself.
A new home
“I knew Ireland was for me as it’s famous for translation studies. This includes one of my other interests, such as translation for gaming and subtitling. There are also many top companies in localisation based in the country, which is a bonus,” says Jing. “It does provide me with some good options once I have completed my PhD. My priority is getting my research done and doing it as well as possible.”
Jing has lived in the Irish capital for over three years now, so is technically a local. She underlines that she was a little taken aback at how historical and quaint the city was, having most recently worked among the bright lights and modern architecture of Shanghai. This character has grown on her, and she enjoys the multicultural and community feel of the city. This includes her roommates, who come from as far afield as Iran and Bulgaria.
Support and community
It was this support system and the university community that helped her through the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jing actively participated in online support meetings, virtual careers fairs, and face-to-face dinners (when permitted), attended counselling sessions and made deep connections with her roommates. It was a time of sharing culture, stories, memories, and ideas.
“I remember Christmas of 2020 when we were allowed to meet, with social distancing, at a dinner organised by the International Office. It was so nice,” remembers Jing. “I think one of the things I love about Ireland is that everyone is friendly and greets you with a smile. You feel welcome, and I even got this sense of solidarity when I recently went to a big march of 50,000 people in Dublin.”
Jing has also been actively involved with campus life, taking up both badminton and rock climbing as part of her social activities. She maintains this is a good way of meeting new people and challenging yourself. She has also participated in other activities and events in Dublin, including a book reading club and meeting up with fellow Chinese students.
“I love studying in Ireland. You get great support from almost everyone you meet,” underlines Jing. “The other thing I love is that you feel safe and have freedom of movement. I’ve travelled to many places in Ireland and loved it. It’s a bit awkward as I live in Dublin, but my favourite city is Cork. I’d also add that in Ireland, you don’t really feel judged and are accepted for who you are, which is a great feeling.”
What the future holds
It's clear that Jing is a supremely dedicated, passionate and insightful student. Her advocacy for her field is admirable, and how she reflects on her practice is a sign of great self-awareness. Studying for a PhD can be a lonely pursuit, but by engaging in student life, consulting lecturers, asking questions, and working well with her supervisors, Jing is well on track for success. What’s her secret?
“You must be proactive. When I first got here, I wasn’t sure about the grading and was worried I was underperforming,” explains Jing, “I went to ask my lecturers and other students and soon found out that I was doing quite well. It was just that the way assignments and exams were marked was different from China. I am used to it now. But you should always ask questions if you don’t understand something. People are happy to answer.”
Jing is leaving her plans open and evaluating the opportunities available to her. She may find herself as part of academia or move into industry, working for a company specialising in translation technology. One thing does appear to be clear; she would like to call Ireland home. Its charm has firmly taken hold.
Chat with Couru
