I NEVER EXPECTED IT (lab drama part 2)

 A brief early moment of my PhD journey in a new country!

My second phase of the PhD journey began when I arrived at the xxxx university on 6 January 2020! I was very excited as I had just completed the four months of intensive coursework. However, the excitement turned into mixed feelings four days after my arrival after attending my first group meeting. I had expected the discussions and conversations during the group meeting to be in English (the language I understand best) so that I could learn and understand what was expected of me. But unfortunately, I was taken aback when everything, including the PowerPoint presentations, was in Chinese language. I wondered if this was going to be my fate. The easiest thing I could think of was to record the conversation so I could listen to it again later; maybe I could learn something from it. And I did record the conversation, which confused me all the more as I listened to it in my spare time. Since I could not help myself, I approached my supervisor with a request that I was lost during the last lab meeting, and I would appreciate it if I could get the English version of the meeting. He laughed and told me to be prepared that none of the other students spoke English (YO I WAS TOLD BEFORE COMMING THAT IT IS AN ENGLISH PROGRAM!!!!!!!!). I have been attending our group meetings in Chinese for three years now because I just had to adjust. Those out there considering studying in China have to live with the reality of dealing with the language barriers and finding your way out. Although some groups offer help, this is rarely the case.

Anonymous

xoxo

your favorite scientist