Hello Everyone.大家好, my name is Derek Holste and I am a current PhD student studying
world Economics. I would like to start by thanking the staff and university for allowing me to talk.
Throughout my Economics Journey, the classes that I enjoyed the most were the ones that
related to international issues. This includes topics such as globalization and international trade.
I had completed my undergraduate and Masters programs in America and given my interest in
international issues, I now wanted to try to learn in a different country.
Throughout my coursework, China had been brought up in papers and homework given their
rise to the second largest economy. For example, my masters international trade class would
routinely compare Macro numbers between America and China.
This economic success on the international stage piqued my interest and after researching
more into their economic miracle, I knew I wanted to study in China to get a closer look. I amconfident that other members of my Cohort feel the exact same.
One reality of continuing your education instead of finding a job is the large opportunity cost of those lost wages. To make up for this the Chinese government and CUFE have given students the abiltiy to easily fund their education. Whether it be the CSC scholarship or Dongfangyi, there are ways for students to fulfill their dreams of higher education.
Although I am myself a self financed student, I have applied and received the Dongfang yi
scholarship and a different one that pays for a years worth of tuition.
I hope I can receive that one every year.
Talking to other members of my cohort, the CSC scholarship and dongfangyi has allowed them
to study within our prestigious university.
I have had the pleasure to personally meet and get to know some of the other recipients of thescholarship.
Lin, another Phd in World economics, is a very bright student who although he does not have a formal economics background, was able to have a successful first semester. With that, working on group projects with him was always interesting given his business degree.
James, once again a Phd in World Economics, is not only also very smart but has been so
friendly to all members of the cohort. I hope I am able to meet other recipients of the scholarship in the future.
These scholarships allow students from across the world to meet, share ideas and grow.
Instead of having to worry about finances in the back of our mind, we can focus on our studies.Instead of needing to have a part time job to support basic living conditions, students are able to utilize a large portion of their time to better themselves.
These scholarships also allow students to travel to expand their horizons and experience a
With that, it will provide many long term positive externalities. For example, some people here will become future researchers and will potentially be on a team that helps solve some important issues.
Finally, the scholarships provide an extra incentive to study hard given the potential financial benefit.
Overall, the Dongfangyi scholarships provides so many benefits to the world and China whether it be providing funds for higher education or allowing people of different backgrounds to work together.
I would like to thank everyone again for listening and the University for providing these
