Ziru, Zhou

Choosing to apply for the IDST program because of the flexibility it offers is excellent if I would like to have a coherent vision for my further study at the time of declaring the program in my third-year study. Specifically, it provides me with an extraordinary crossdisciplinary design by myself to select Economics as my primary focus; Politics and Mandarin as my secondary ones.

It’s a great opportunity to take charge of what I want to learn and get well-prepared for my graduate study which focuses on the political economy in Hong Kong, China.

One of the advantages of taking this program is that the course is based on integrated upper-level courses. 6 upper-level courses are usually considered equivalent to a minor and a sufficient specialization. Cross-disciplinary courses of study may offer broader fields and possibilities matching with careers in the future. For instance, the career I chose can relate to the three categories I planned for my program. The experience I also felt great because I could choose any courses with prerequisites from the field I would like to learn and study. In other words, I can chose the same courses as students who study the major in economics. Also, I can study politics and mandarin at the same time. It works for me in this way.

Lastly, I want to say, Thanks, UBC!!! Regarding me, it is not only a place of mind but also a place where I spent my precious youth and impressive four years here. Happy graduation to all UBC grads! I can’t wait to run into new challenges and unlimited possibilities on my way. Knowing myself and making my own history.

– Ziru, Zhou