With a background in Communication Studies and English Translation, Hang Ren long dreamed of combining her interests in language and communication. Her path was shaped by unexpected challenges, including a serious injury and academic setbacks, but also by moments of clarity, courage, and hope. This eventually led her to the Master’s Degree Programme in Language, Globalization and Intercultural Communication at JYU.
My name is Hang Ren, and I am from China. Now I am a second-year master’s student at the University of Jyväskylä, studying Language, Globalization and Intercultural Communication (LAGIC).
During my undergraduate studies, I majored in Communication Studies and minored in English Translation. On weekdays, I attended my communication courses, and on weekends, I went to translation classes. On my way to different classrooms, I often thought how nice it would be if I could study communication and language together in one programme.
From uncertainty to the dream of studying abroad
In my final year, some classmates started working, while others chose to prepare for China’s graduate school entrance exam, and I was among them. Unfortunately, just a few months before the exam, I broke my tailbone. I had to study standing up, and even during the exam, I was in severe pain. I didn’t pass that year and felt like a failure. At that time, I felt disappointed and uncertain about my future.
Finally, after graduation, I started working in a restaurant while preparing for another attempt. One day, I saw a post on social media about studying in Finland. The beautiful environment and affordable costs caught my attention. That was the day I first had the idea of studying abroad.
At first, my parents were worried about me living alone so far away. After several discussions, they supported my decision. So, I decided to stop preparing for Chinese exams and started studying for IELTS, learning Korean, and preparing application materials while working full-time.
Waiting for the right opportunity: turning down another offer for JYU
I applied through Finland’s joint application system, Studyinfo, where you can apply to several higher education institutions at once. Before receiving the admission letter from JYU, I had already been offered admission by another university. However, I did not accept that offer because I knew that deep in my heart, I was waiting for JYU.
I still clearly remember that I received the offer from JYU at midnight on April 4th, 2024, and I was really excited.
The first country that made me think about studying abroad was Finland, and the programme I wanted the most was LAGIC.
Looking back, my broken tailbone turned out to be a turning point for me. It led me to think about new possibilities and eventually brought me to JYU. Interestingly, the first country that made me think about studying abroad was Finland, and the programme I wanted the most was LAGIC.
Read more: Master's Degree Programme in Language, Globalization and Intercultural Communication
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