Jingchuan Hou
The exchange experience at Cornell has been exceptionally rewarding and enjoyable for me.
I've deepened my insights into urban studies through courses in regional science. The Regional Economic Impact Analysis equipped me with valuable quantitative analysis skills, while the small-scale seminar course in Regional Science provided numerous opportunities for communication and discussion with Professor John Carruthers and Cornell students. Every conversation with Professor Carruthers, both in and out of class, has nurtured a strong and amicable friendship. I've also forged meaningful connections with many Cornell students, offering me a better understanding of how local students perceive global challenges in contemporary society.
Moreover, other courses provided me with the chance to participate in a field study and the National Conference in Washington, D.C., with Professor Michael Tomlan. Interviews with U.S. government officials offered insights into governance challenges within the U.S. context.
Cornell's vibrant academic environment extends beyond the classroom. Guest lectures connected me with scholars in my research area, and I had the privilege of participating in seminars alongside Professor Mildred Warner and Dr. Yuanshuo Xu teaching at Zhejiang University. I was also invited to the Guanghua-Cornell MBA Program reception, providing valuable networking opportunities with MBA students.
The faculty at CAPS have been incredibly supportive. I'm grateful for the kindness of Professor Xin Xu, Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Bryant Munson, and other teachers at CAPS, who eased our transition and provided significant assistance during our time at Cornell.
The exchange program also afforded us the chance to travel. I visited universities of interest, engaging with teachers and scholars in person, and attended the 2023 AIIB Annual Meeting in Egypt, gaining deeper insights into my area of interest.
There's so much to appreciate and remember, far beyond the scope of this short reflection. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers at Yenching Academy and Cornell CAPS who provided us with this enriching opportunity and supported us in numerous ways, adding vibrant colors to our master's studies. I wholeheartedly recommend this exchange program to all Yenching scholars in the upcoming cohorts.
Shuyun Wang
Spending the fall semester at Cornell University has been an incredibly enriching experience for me, as I witnessed the mesmerizing transformation of leaves from green to yellow and red before gracefully descending. These four months of exchange have allowed me to break free from the confines of a specific culture, continuously challenging my limitations in the pursuit of knowledge and providing me with an expanded perspective and rich experiences.
My deep interest in environmental and energy issues led me to select courses such as Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Governance, and Engineering Smart Cities during my time at Cornell. Through these courses, I explored environmental problems from economic and policy perspectives, delving into economic models to analyze the costs of various environmental governance methods. I also examined different environmental governance mechanisms employed by markets, nations, communities, and NGOs, evaluating their advantages, disadvantages, and potential challenges during implementation. Interactions with professors, including office hours and discussions, significantly aided my understanding and provided valuable insights into my future research and career development. These experiences have equipped me to approach environmental issues in China from an international and interdisciplinary standpoint.
Another profound aspect of this exchange program is its diversity. Engaging with students from around the world exposed me to cultural collisions during our conversations. I began contemplating the differences and similarities between Chinese and American cultures and the underlying reasons behind them. I explored questions related to cultural identity in China, the development of Chinatowns, and the rootedness of the Chinese diaspora. Within different cultural contexts, I learned to critically examine Western discourse and develop a new way of thinking about Chinese studies. I vividly recall Professor Xu Xin's words on the first day, emphasizing, "China-U.S. relations determine the fate of the world," and later encouraging us with, "Cornell perseveres through challenges, continuously advancing in China studies, and you are part of the progress."
This study abroad experience has strengthened my confidence in furthering my development in the field of sustainable development. I aspire to contribute to China's environmental policies through my efforts, inspired by the knowledge and diverse perspectives gained during this transformative semester at Cornell University.
