Yingying Huang

Renmin University of China, China
Exchange to University of Western Australia, Australia

This is the first time that I have been to Australia, and it was to Perth rather than Sydney or Melbourne, the cities that most Chinese people know. It is very quiet compared to Beijing where I’m from, but a good place to study and do research with a friendly and supportive environment. One of my favourite things to do is to sit at the University Club, have a cup of coffee and enjoy chatting with my friends at the University, with peacocks walking around and the Swan River nearby.

A lot of friends in Perth asked me about my impression of Australia. I think multi-cultural is probably the first impression that comes to mind, as compared to the other countries I have visited such as the US. I have met a lot of people from different countries, especially Asian countries, and it’s easy to buy Asian food from the local markets. Besides, I love aboriginal arts and the beautiful colourful soaps.

Another thing that has impressed me most and I really appreciate, is the supportive environment of the Asian Studies centre. I have got to know a lot of colleagues and friends working in a similar area to mine, which is related to sexuality and gender, or China studies. More importantly, people are so willing to share with each other their research and experience of doing fieldwork in different cultures, which is so amazing. I’m very pleased to say that the six-month exchange has greatly increased my knowledge and understanding of other cultures, especially those in Asia.

I also have had the opportunity to know some local residents, who are very friendly and supportive. They invited me for coffees and “yum cha” in Northbridge, Perth. I have also participated in several local festivals, including an amazing ‘Pride Day Parade’!

Besides staying in Perth, I also traveled to the East Coast for a conference and for the chance to experience different parts of Australia. This also benefited me with opportunities for networking with other academics as well as personal relationships with researchers from Australia.

To be more specific, during my stay in Australia, I have been actively involved in academic activities in Asian Studies at the University by providing guest lectures, seminars, participating in weekly seminars in Asian Studies and communicating with faculties at the University of Sydney, University of Technical and Science (UTS) and University of Melbourne. I also co-operated with researchers in UWA, UTS and University of Sydney to propose a new research programme and conference panel in 2007. These activities, supported by the Endeavour Cheung Kong Research Fellowship and my host institution (Asian Studies at UWA), helped me to strengthen my research capacities, created chances to communicate and share research findings and built a network between my Institute and researchers from Australia, especially from UWA, UTS and University of Sydney for future co-operation.

Now, back in Beijing, China, it is crowded, dry and crazy busy as usual. Although I love working in Beijing, I really miss the days in Perth – peaceful, enjoyable and productive as well.

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