Blessing and good fortune: My experience learning Chinese at SOAS

BA Chinese and Politics student Jess Keighley describes her experience studying at SOAS, her year abroad in Taiwan and her time competing at the international Chinese Bridge Competition. 

When I first decided to refocus on Chinese during my time out of education, I didn’t expect it would lead me here. Originally, SOAS wasn’t even on my radar, but I was looking for universities that had a strong East Asian department, and offered great year abroad opportunities.

When I came across SOAS, I knew I’d found the right place. SOAS offered me more than just language study—it’s a place where languages connect with politics, culture, and history. 

SOAS offered me more than just language study—it’s a place where languages connect with politics, culture, and history. 

As someone studying both Chinese and politics, I wanted a multidisciplinary environment that could bridge these subjects. Studying at SOAS allows me to explore political landscapes in East Asia while strengthening my language skills. Each module I take deepens my understanding, and I’ve realised that language isn’t just a tool; it’s a gateway into the ideas that shape societies. 

Adding language learning to my daily routine

Of course, balancing Chinese with other studies has its challenges, but I’ve developed some strategies along the way. Incorporating Chinese into my daily routine—whether through language apps, podcasts, or Chinese vlogs—has made a huge difference.

Consistency is key; even a few minutes each day adds up over time. Making use of resources like language partners and conversation practice has also been invaluable. I learned that my reading comprehension alone wasn’t enough; real progress came when I embraced opportunities to practise speaking and listening outside the classroom.

My Chinese teachers at SOAS have always encouraged us to push ourselves, but self-discipline is key, as much of the study is independent. The main thing is to just keep going - I’ve come to appreciate how progress, no matter how gradual, is still progress. 

Competing at an international competition

One of the most memorable moments in my journey has been participating in the Chinese Bridge Competition, an international event where students from around the world come together to test their skills and share their love of the language.

Preparing for it involved hours of practice, but it was an incredible opportunity to refine my Chinese and gain confidence. The competition taught me that learning a language isn’t just about vocabulary and grammar; it’s about building connections and experiencing the joy of communicating across cultures. 

Learning a language isn’t just about vocabulary and grammar; it’s about building connections and experiencing the joy of communicating across cultures. 

My favourite Chinese word, “福” (fú), meaning "blessing" or "good fortune," has taken on even more significance since the competition. The event’s theme centred around this character, which felt like a fitting symbol as much of the competition took place in Fujian (福建) province.

Competing at the competition felt like a true blessing in itself - even more so as I hadn’t expected to reach the finals in China. “福” has deep roots in Chinese culture, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year when people wish for luck and happiness. Now, whenever I see the character, it also reminds me of my fortuitous experience and the connections I made. 

Immersing myself in Taiwanese culture

My year abroad has been another incredible part of this journey, especially with the chance to study in Taiwan—a place I hadn’t originally considered but am so grateful to experience. The immersion has been invaluable; there’s nothing like hearing and speaking the language every day, from casual conversations to navigating daily life. 

There’s nothing like hearing and speaking the language every day, from casual conversations to navigating daily life. 

This year has already been an amazing opportunity to put what I’ve learned into practice and connect with the culture in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I can see my language skills improving steadily, and the small feelings of progress keep me motivated every day.