From the Classroom to the Streets: Sharpening Chinese through immersive learning as a CIW China Fellow

For many fresh graduates, entering the workforce is probably what first comes to mind when considering their options after university. However, five recent graduates chose to undertake more studies by spending a year refining their Chinese in Suzhou, China as a CIW China Studies Fellow — all thanks to funding from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

Halfway into their Fellowship, we asked the first cohort of China Studies Fellows to share with us their motivation to undertake the year-long China Studies Fellowship as well as their experiences studying Chinese at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou!

Jonathan Cunningham
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Asian Studies, ANU

A year-long study program where I can live and study abroad to improve my language skills? Why wouldn’t I apply for this opportunity? As someone who is trying to make that jump from upper intermediate to advanced/fluent, I could not imagine a more perfect opportunity than this!

I think the strength of the fellowship is that you are forced to take Chinese outside the classroom. I have learnt and improved so much more when I catch up with my local friends. Of course, navigating your life in a foreign language can be daunting but it's these kinds of circumstances that stretch you to improve.

A memorable moment for me was when I first went to play mahjong with a couple of friends, but I was not prepared for how fast and ferocious they were! I was used to playing relaxed, slow games with my family. But when it came to mahjong, my friends were not willing to use their inside voices. There have since been many more nights of clacking tiles and laughter, on which I look back fondly.

Living in Suzhou has also been lovely. Aside from having lots to do and being very clean, my favourite thing about Suzhou is how green it is. There are so many trees, canals, and green spaces where I can go for walk or to hear the birds.

Most improved in calligraphy. Photo supplied by Jonathan Cunningham

Exploring the classical beauty of a traditional Chinese garden in Yangzhou. Photo supplied by Xuming Du

Xuming Du
Bachelor of Arts, ANU

I chose to undertake this year-long fellowship to deepen my Chinese language proficiency through immersive experience. With aspirations of building a career in a China-related field, I saw this fellowship as a valuable opportunity to gain both linguistic and cultural insight. One of the highlights so far has been exploring the city’s diverse museums—my favourite being the Six Arts Museum, which offers a fascinating window into Chinese folk art.

Additionally, the fellowship has allowed me to dedicate more time to language study, ultimately helping me pass the HSK 6 exam. I've also come to appreciate Suzhou’s unique charm, from its historic canals and spellbinding gardens to its refined local cuisine. My absolute favourite dish that I’ve tried here has to be Squirrel fish, which is a Suzhou specialty known for its distinctive sweet and sour taste. In my free time, I enjoy browsing Suzhou’s many quaint bookshops and I often spend quiet afternoons at my neighbourhood library, which is nestled beside a tranquil lake.

Reuben Kozary
Bachelor of Asian Studies and Bachelor of Finance, ANU

Spending a year in China might sound like a big commitment, but for me it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve made. Living in a new country, meeting people, learning Mandarin, exploring new places, and trying amazing food, all covered by the university or government, was a no brainer. Career-wise, gaining a deeper understanding of Australia’s largest trade partner seemed hugely valuable to me as well. I’ve already made countless memories, but one highlight was climbing Tai Mountain overnight to catch the sunrise. Climbing 7,000 steps in the dark was wild, but the view made it worth it. Being immersed in Mandarin daily has forced me to pick up so much more than I would have at home. Constant audio and visual input and the need to speak to survive have hugely boosted my confidence. In Suzhou, I love exploring new spots and trying different food, every corner feels like a new city.

Exploring one of China's natural cave formations. Photo supplied Reuben Kozary

The architecture behind me is called "The Gate to the East" or the "Gate to the Orient". However, colloquially it is known as "The Pants" or "The Kuzi (裤子), because of its appearance. Photo supplied by Edward Praschifka

Edward Praschifka
Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, with a Diploma in Mandarin Chinese, The University of Adelaide

I decided to undertake the China Studies Fellowship because I wanted a chance to take my Chinese proficiency to the next level while also building relationships with Chinese people and developing a deeper understanding of Chinese society and culture. My time in China has been full of opportunities to make connections with Chinese people and improve my Chinese proficiency. For instance, while on a train from Hangzhou to Suzhou, I ended up in a conversation with several other Chinese passengers about life in Australia and China. It was a chance for me to build connections with strangers that I still have today, and it was all made possible because of my Chinese skills. Furthermore, the fellowship has helped me improve my Chinese language skills through the intensive classes offered at XJTLU, along with daily experiences like ordering breakfast at a café or conversing with taxi drivers. I also love how convenient Suzhou is. The university campus is only a 20-minute walk from my accommodation, and almost all interesting places are reachable by renting a bike, taking the metro, or catching a taxi. At the same time, Suzhou's old town has great traditional architecture and beautiful gardens.

Asher Bettison, Bachelor of Arts majoring in China studies and business law, The University of Western Australia

I heard about the Fellowship from one of my professors and the opportunity immediately interested me. Having studied China throughout my degree and been fascinated by the country’s development over the last decade, the opportunity to see this transformation in person was unmissable. I knew I would immensely regret not taking this opportunity.

Since arriving in China, my expectations have been met and surpassed. Traveling around China and getting the opportunity to see so many places I’ve learnt about in my studies has been a sublime experience. One thing that has stood out to me is the scale of China — my expectations have been dwarfed time and time again. The country is steeped in history and culture that is difficult to understand having not been here.

The fellowship program has also given me significant opportunities to improve my Chinese language skills. Full time Chinese language study, combined with opportunities to build real connections with Chinese classmates and practice real conversations has been invaluable to progressing my language skills. Some of the best memories I’ve made this year have been playing volleyball with my classmates in Suzhou. I would strongly recommend to anyone with an interest in Chinese society, history, culture, or language to take this opportunity.

Applications for 2026 CIW China Studies Fellowship close on 27 July 2025, visit the webpage for more details.

The Fellowships are generously supported by a grant from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 澳中基金会.