Han Xu

Han Xu

Han Xu
University of Cambridge

The exchange experience in Cambridge is marvellous. With the hope of exploring new possibilities, I took three challenging courses, each of which has either changed my stubborn view towards a specific field that I have already learned, or led me into a fascinating field that I have never noticed before. For instance, Foreign Policy Analysis is my favourite. Frankly speaking, it is quite relaxing to take summer courses in Cambridge, where we do not have to worry too much about grades. It is such a cosy environment, letting us think and discuss freely and spark new ideas. One professor stated, “What I need you to do in my class is not agree with me. Disagree with me. Challenge me.” Therefore, I took every class as a chance to challenge the lecturer even though I failed most of the time. But this is the process that inspired me to think and link different subjects like Game Theory, International Relations and Foreign Policy together. For the first time, I gained heightened interest in international affairs such as the Washington Consensus, the Beijing Consensus and the recent ‘Grexit’ affair. What makes me even more excited is that I am forming my own methodology to analyse what really happens under the surface.

Cambridge is such a magical place, full of inspiration and physical beauty. I like life there, where I can take a lecture at the Botanic Garden with a professor who can barely contain himself with excitement about the obscure rituals of the bumblebee, where I can have my floor mate come round for a beer and barbecue and I can listen to the latest stories of his travels, debate with the grey-bearded professor over ancient Roman history and enjoy a cup of steamed milk with chocolate sprinkles on the top with my favourite friends.