Alexia Pui Yan Wu

My name is Alexia Pui Yan Wu and I come from China. After graduating from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (China), where I majored in Tourism Management, I decided to come to The Netherlands to pursue a Master’s degree.

I was interested in the University of Amsterdam (UvA), because it was well-known for publishing good research and it was ranked highly in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

'I was always aware of the existing stereotypes about Asian people and their culture'

Of all the programmes I considered I found the Master’s programme Contemporary Asian Studies to be the most appealing. Being from Asia, I was always aware of the existing stereotypes about Asian people and their culture. I was curious to learn more about how and why such stereotypes are constructed, and I was motivated to go beyond these stereotypes in my understanding of Asian society.

I found the programme challenging, but I am glad I chose Contemporary Asian Studies. This Master's offered me comprehensive and intensive courses that familiarized me with many concepts and theories that are used in social scientific research in Asia. Together with my dynamic group of classmates with whom I shared many interests, we really learned to deepen our understanding of Asian societies. We held lively discussions in  and outside the classroom. We spent much time together, studying and hanging out. I made a lot of friends in the University of Amsterdam and for that reason my time there was not only of much educational value, but also great fun. 

'My Master’s thesis concerned the Chinese entrepreneurship in Kobe, Japan'

I wrote my Master’s thesis on Chinese entrepreneurship in Kobe, Japan. Now I have completed the Master, I will hopefully find a PhD opportunity at the University of Amsterdam or elsewhere in Europe. 

'I have two tips for prospective students'

Last but not least, I have two tips for prospective students:

• First, this programme covers a wide range of topics, from migration and ethnicity to land-grabbing and human rights. To get the most out of your studies, you have to be open to all of these topics, even if some of them may seem less interesting to  you.
• Secondly, I found it very helpful to have discussions with my classmates. Especially when I was unfamiliar with certain themes in our studies, our conversations helped me to better my understanding.