In February, we organised a hybrid discussion forum that brought together a small but diverse group of participants for an open and honest exchange. The session was initiated by Mei Lin Lyu and created as a shared space for students to reflect on their academic journeys and experiences across different countries.
We had participants joining from institutions such as Durham University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and also a doctorate from the Department of Theology at National University of Athens. Rather than being a formal lecture, the session felt more like a roundtable conversation, where everyone could share their own stories.
The discussion revolved around personal experiences in archaeology and cultural heritage—what it’s like to study abroad, how different academic systems work, and the kinds of projects students have been involved in. A key focus was on offering insights to students in China: how to approach studying in Europe, how to look for opportunities, and how to build connections with universities and peers internationally.
What made the session especially meaningful was its openness. People spoke quite candidly about challenges, expectations, and practical steps—things that are often not clearly visible from the outside when planning to study abroad.
We ended the day with a small celebration dinner, which gave everyone a chance to continue the conversations more informally. Overall, it was a really fruitful and warm exchange, and it felt like the beginning of more connections to come.
