In 2023, I was awarded a scholarship under the China Scholarship Council to pursue study as a Visiting PhD Student at the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the most prestigious academic institutions globally. My time at Oxford not only broadened my academic horizons but also significantly improved my research capabilities and enriched my cross-cultural experiences.

1. The Old and the New: A Treasure Trove of Library Resources

The library system at Oxford is one of its most valuable assets. Comprising a vast network of central, research, college, and departmental libraries, it offers unparalleled resources for scholars.

Established in 1602, the Bodleian Library is the second-largest library system in the UK, after the British Library, and is renowned for its extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts. As Qian Zhongshu aptly described it as a “Baodulou”(饱蠹楼) which means scholar’s haven, the Bodleian’s abundance of resources is truly mesmerizing.

Today, the library continues to expand its collection at an impressive rate, acquiring nearly every book published in the UK. The Bodleian receives thousands of new titles weekly and has increasingly embraced digital resources, which greatly facilitate academic research. This wealth of resources provided a solid theoretical and historical foundation for my work.

Weston Library

2. Learning and Reflecting: Enhancing Research Skills

During my time at Oxford, I attended courses such as “From Colonial Medicine to Global Health,” “Disease, Medicine, and War in Modern East Asia,” and “Methods and Themes in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology.” These courses offered diverse perspectives on healthcare issues across historical periods, inspiring innovative approaches for my doctoral research.

Engaging with a rigorous reading load, including classic and cutting-edge works in both Chinese and English, honed my skills in rapid information acquisition, critical analysis, and synthesizing multiple perspectives, significantly deepening my understanding of medical history.

The Bodleian Library also regularly hosts training workshops. By participating in the Bodleian iSkills workshops, I mastered advanced techniques in literature retrieval and data management, which improving the efficiency and accuracy of my research processes, enabling me to handle vast academic resources more effectively.

Additionally, I joined the Medical Humanities ECR and DPhil Writing Group weekly. Structured writing sessions and peer feedback refined my academic writing skills, helping me to articulate complex ideas with clarity and efficiency. These sessions not only boosted my productivity but also helped me maintain steady progress in my research.

3. Exchanging and Integrating: Broadening Academic Horizons

Oxford’s vibrant academic environment provided exposure to cutting-edge research. Weekly seminars hosted by the Oxford Centre for the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology kept me updated on the latest developments in the field and introduced me to diverse methodologies and analytical frameworks. These events broadened my academic perspectives and enabled me to integrate innovative viewpoints into my doctoral research.

Monday Seminar

Studying in the UK also offered ample opportunities for international academic exchange. I presented my research at several important conferences in 2024, including:

• “The British Society for the History of Science Postgraduate Conference 2024” (Coventry, May 19–20);

• “From Local to Global: Socialism and Health in East Asia” (Shanghai University & University of Exeter, June 6–7);

• “British Society for the History of Science 2024 Annual Conference” (Aberystwyth, July 10–13);

• “Science, Technology, Humanity, and the Earth: 11th ESHS Conference” (Barcelona, September 10–13).

These experiences significantly enhanced my academic communication and English public speaking skills, boosting my confidence in presenting research findings and engaging in scholarly dialogue with international peers.

4. Culture and Tradition: Living in Oxford

Oxford’s collegiate system and vibrant cultural life added depth to my academic journey. With its 39 colleges, each boasting unique traditions and heritage, Oxford provided a rich cultural tapestry. Participating in college formal dinners and balls immersed me in the university’s distinctive atmosphere and deepened my understanding of British culture.

St John’s formal dinner

My time at the University of Oxford was profoundly enriching both academically and personally. At Oxford, I gained invaluable academic resources, advanced my research and cross-cultural communication skills, and laid a strong foundation for future studies. This journey was not only a milestone in my academic career but also a transformative chapter in my personal growth.

Written by: JIN Yanan
Reviewed by: LI Jiexin