Calvin is a fresh graduate of Globalisation and Development (GAD) Programme at the Department of Social Sciences. He recently got admission to study Master of Arts in East Asian Studies at the Yale University.

When Calvin came to the UIC, it was English as a medium of instruction and cultural diversity in the background that attracted him. And quite naturally he went to choose Globalisation and Development programme.

“UIC has students and faculty from different countries in the world. I could ask questions of them, share joyfulness and become friends. This helped me adapt to the diversity of teaching methods and styles and further my academic training.”

Globlisation and Development Programme Faculty and Students at UIC Sports Day

Calvin says that his interest lies in anthropology and global contexts of sustainable development.

“Professors and students in the GAD come from different countries around the world. Its international atmosphere encourages students to broaden their perspectives and cultivate sustainable development thinking.”

Calvin often communicated with professors and students interested in academic research and discovered its social value and joy. For instance, in the class Understanding Cultural Diversity, taught by Dr. Zhang Qiaoyun whose specialty is anthropology, Calvin applied Luhmann’s theories to analyze phenomena in everyday life. He also worked as a research assistant with Dr. Edoardo Monaco on a project titled “Global Trends Compendium: An Essential Guide to Socio-Economic and Environmental Change”. “Once I met difficulties in data analysis of the project and Dr. Monaco helped me streamline my research ideas. This two-hour appointment touched me a lot. Dr. Monaco encouraged me to explore my interest in academic research. His words became my motivation to pursue academic career.”

Calvin prepared a paper on evolutionary psychology for the Third Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophy and for three consecutive years he won First Class Scholarship.

In 2022, Calvin participated in Global Health Ethnography summer school of the Yale, conducted a study of ethnographic research in developing countries with serious health issues by using the writing structures and methods of comparative criticism.

“I stepped out of my comfort zone in the summer school, hosted a three-hour lecture and gained precious academic experience.”

Calvin and Dr. Edoardo Monaco(left)

“Liberal Education in the UIC leads students to numerous opportunities of exploring their interests and find company in different groups of people. No matter what you are interested in, you will find a group of students and teachers sharing similar interests.”

In 2021, Calvin interned at China Biodiversity Conservative and Green Development Foundation as an English translator, led a team to participate in the National College Student E-commerce "Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship" Challenge. Abundant practical experience contributed to his development towards the whole-person ideal.

Calvin (left one) and MCP group members

This fall, Calvin will head to the Yale University. He would strive to realize his dream with the best memories of the UIC.