Jing Fang, Advisor for International Students

Ms Jing Fang graduated from Beijing Normal University and the University of Edinburgh. She has been teaching Chinese literature and language and teaching Chinese as a foreign language for over 30 years. She previously taught at the University of International Business and Economics (Beijing) and the University of Edinburgh. She has been teaching at the University of Oxford since 2000.

Why did you become an academic? Was it a natural decision?
I always believed communication was the key to build trust and understanding between different people and cultures, teaching language seemed to be the natural decision once it became clear the sciences were not my strong suit.

How has your teaching changed during lockdown?
All teaching was moved online during the lockdowns, surprisingly however the students adapted well and quickly, most seemed to have enjoyed the unique experience.

What does being Advisor for International Students involve?
Taking care of the international students at Univ, especially those from Asia, helping them to overcome any cultural shock(s) and to integrate fully into the community.

Is there any general advice you would give to international students or prospective international students especially given the pandemic?
Oxford is a very safe place to study and live, there are lots of people around to support you in all aspects of life. Please use common sense to protect yourself and help each other.

Have you faced any challenges in your life that you are happy to share here? If so, how did you cope with them?
My house was flooded in 2015; I coped with the support of family and friends, and of course, the College, who provided emergency accommodation while the house was being dried.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
Seeing young minds grow to speak fluent Chinese, starting careers in the west and China, translating literary works and building bridges between cultures.

Do you have a favourite part of Oxford or Univ?
Univ Old Library; a quiet place to work and to collect one’s thoughts.

Describe Univ in three words.
Peaceful, inclusive, friendly.

Published: 26 August 2021

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