Advanced Research Program

May 2025

In May 2025, the recipients of the Advanced Research Award travelled to Shantou University, where they conducted their research project. With the help of their McGill and STU supervisors, they undertook qualitative and quantitative data collection and archival research, they consulted experts in their fields, and drafted their research papers in STU library. The five students also presented their research to STU and McGill students and professors. Their diligence in research and expertise acquired in their field became evident through the detailed and sophisticated presentations they offered, which gave rise to fascinating discussions between students and faculty of both universities.

Words from our 2025 Advanced Research Cohort

Victoria Dong, BA, East Asian Studies

"As a research student, I received valuable guidance from both my supervisors and tutors. I’m especially grateful to my STU supervisor for her insights into conducting wedding-focused research. She connected me with a student who had done similar work, and through them I was introduced to a local wedding store and several social media accounts dedicated to wedding knowledge. At the wedding store, I had an in-depth conversation with the owner and learned about the store's history and the nuanced roles people play in wedding ceremonies. The program struck a perfect balance between independence and support."

Read Victoria's report to learn more about her experience! 

Yunung Lee, PhD, School of Social Work

"Whether you're taking your first steps or pursuing a larger project, the STU program is an incredible opportunity for academic development and cultural exchange."

Read Yunung's report to learn more about her experience!

Celine Li, BA, Economics

"The warmth and positivity of our environment are worthy of emphasizing. Although settling into a new place and pace of life feels nerve-racking at first, the places – canteen, library, residence, and classroom, as well as the people – students, staff at Academic House, gym receptionist, couple at the fruit stand, yoga instructor, and crucially, the tutors, made me feel at ease and at home. Their welcoming spirit made learning feel like exploring, and made adapting feel natural, as they were infinitely patient and encouraging. Despite our different backgrounds, passports, and first languages, we seamlessly went from strangers to good friends. These four weeks can only be summarized as the happiest hello and the hardest goodbye. I leave China with endless gratitude and a greater desire to explore all the parts I have yet to see."

Read Celine's report to learn more about her experience!

Halina Li, BA, Political Science

"Among the most rewarding aspects of the program were my meetings with my local advisor and the practical training I received in archival research methods. These experiences substantially improved my ability to navigate simplified Chinese records and legal databases, broadening the scope and depth of my research." 

Read Halina's report to learn more about her experience!

Irene Yao, BA, Political Science

"My project focused on legal pluralism in the Chaoshan region, specifically how clan rules interact with formal legal norms. Alongside the academic side, this was also a personal journey. I’m a second-generation Chinese immigrant, born and raised in Gatineau, Québec, and part of my goal was to reconnect with my roots—to not only ask questions about governance and law, but also, for myself, about identity, belonging, and what it means to study politics across cultures during this trip."

Read Irene's report to learn more about her experience!

May 2024 

In May 2024, the Advanced Research Program was hosted at Shantou University. Four McGill students undertook in-depth research project on Shantou campus. With the help of their McGill and STU supervisors, they conducted their independent research plan through qualitative data collection, archival research, consultation with experts in their field, and hours spent writing at STU's iconic library. The four students also participated in all the extracurricular activities offered to the ICL students. 

Mathilde Hardouin, BA, East Asian Studies and Political Science

 I took this opportunity very seriously: as I was to go as an advanced research student, I wanted to make sure to be up to par, especially when it came to my ability to understand native content in books and native-speed discussions. With this in mind, I prepared myself thoroughly before the trip: I worked on my mandarin regularly in the months leading up to May, and made sure I had a well laid-out plan for my research. In hindsight, this preparation truly allowed me to make the most of my time in Shantou, and this opportunity materialized, for me, as the result of my dedication to learning Mandarin.

Yunung Lee, PhD, Social Work

Conducting human research within a one-month time frame in an entirely new environment is more challenging than one might imagine. The key is to come prepared but remain flexible. "Come prepared" means doing everything you can to understand the local context. This could involve initiating conversations with previous students or people from STU, so you arrive with some background knowledge rather than as a blank slate. "Being flexible" means recognizing that you will encounter unexpected opportunities and challenges. View all experiences as opportunities to learn about a new culture and world.

Chelsea Wang, BA, Philosophy and Political Science

I fulfilled my goals for this program to their greatest extent, exceeding my expectations completely. Studying in Shantou completely re-shaped my knowledge and interest in the history, politics, philosophy, sociology, and language in the area. I now feel very deeply reconnected with my culture, and I have cultivated a sense of belonging in it.

Kimberly Yang, BA, Philosophy and East Asian Studies

I was able to gather research and data not merely from online databases, but from real-life interactions - all of which I found to be a great highlight. For instance, much of my research revolved around the experience of opera performances in Chaoshan. Rather than merely reading up on the theatrical ongoings, with the help of my peers and professors, I managed to watch these performances in person, attend workshops, analyse historical artefacts from museums, and more.