Adam Kadduri
BA-degree:
Economics and Business Administration, International Business
University of Southern Denmark
Occupation:
Policy Assistant, European Commission
QnA
Why did you choose your specific programme at SDC?
I had a profound interest in China’s history and its rapid economic growth since I went to high school in Denmark. I always wanted to visit China and learn more about the country and its important role in the world. At the same time, I was interested to master international relations and public management, hence I found the Public Management and Social Development programme to be a perfect fit for me, as it would allow me to live and experience China and study a field of great interest to me.
What are the most important academic skills/knowledge you have acquired during your master’s?
I have acquired extensive knowledge about the Chinese State, its public sector management, and the political structure and system, which gave me very good insights and understanding of China’s domestic and international politics. I developed solid research and analytical skills that has benefitted my post-graduation career building within international relations, geo-politics and international development cooperation, allowed me to better preform my job and kick-start my professional life in this field.
Economics and Business Administration, International Business
University of Southern Denmark
Occupation:
Policy Assistant, European Commission
QnA
Why did you choose your specific programme at SDC?
I had a profound interest in China’s history and its rapid economic growth since I went to high school in Denmark. I always wanted to visit China and learn more about the country and its important role in the world. At the same time, I was interested to master international relations and public management, hence I found the Public Management and Social Development programme to be a perfect fit for me, as it would allow me to live and experience China and study a field of great interest to me.
What are the most important academic skills/knowledge you have acquired during your master’s?
I have acquired extensive knowledge about the Chinese State, its public sector management, and the political structure and system, which gave me very good insights and understanding of China’s domestic and international politics. I developed solid research and analytical skills that has benefitted my post-graduation career building within international relations, geo-politics and international development cooperation, allowed me to better preform my job and kick-start my professional life in this field.
What have you otherwise learned?
Being based in China gave me the opportunity to visit various cities and destinations around the country and in the region. Living in China for two years has provided me with good adaptation skills, stronger language skills, an outgoing personality and insights to different cultures, which is something I greatly appreciate. I have become more independent and enjoy working with people in an international environment. My experience living in Beijing allowed me to quickly adapt and settled in new settings when I moved to Hungary and Belgium after my graduation.
What is the study environment like?
The courses are intense, and the daily schedule can be quite busy with many classes and readings. The study environment at the campus in China had all the necessary facilities such as a library, cafes around the campus and rooms to study, or do group work. One other positive aspect I enjoy about the study environment was that the visiting professors, often from Denmark, were academically and socially very engaged with the students, which created a nice enabling environment for learning and getting to know your professors better.
What is it like to live in China?
To live in China for the first time can be challenging for some, but also a once in a lifetime experience. The country has an amazing cultural diversity, some of the largest cities in the world, great infrastructure to travel around and a diverse food culture. China is also a very safe country to travel in and people are extremely helpful and welcoming to foreigners. As such, you will encounter a very international environment when living in China. When settling in, you will face many administrative tasks that can be time consuming such as opening a bank account, getting your residence permit, moving into your dorm and most importantly, getting a Chinese sim card for your phone. Getting used to and understanding a very different culture can also be challenging, but approaching it with an open mind, and learn to be patient will get you a long way in China. It is a universal skillset that will stay with you forever. In the end you will experience a unique country full of history, tasty food and learn more about yourself than anywhere else in the world.
What do you think about the physical environment of SDC?
The SDC building is a modern campus that provides student with very good facilities to study and arrange events on site. The dorms were decent rooms and in good condition and had all the necessary amenities. After classes there was plenty of campus activities such as sports (football, badminton, swimming), watching movies and going for long walks and hikes at the Great Wall or in the surrounding nature. The Campus also has several restaurants on site and outside of the area, where you can go enjoy some nice local food. There are also transport opportunities to go to the nearest city Huairou or to Beijing for a day or weekend trip.
Being based in China gave me the opportunity to visit various cities and destinations around the country and in the region. Living in China for two years has provided me with good adaptation skills, stronger language skills, an outgoing personality and insights to different cultures, which is something I greatly appreciate. I have become more independent and enjoy working with people in an international environment. My experience living in Beijing allowed me to quickly adapt and settled in new settings when I moved to Hungary and Belgium after my graduation.
What is the study environment like?
The courses are intense, and the daily schedule can be quite busy with many classes and readings. The study environment at the campus in China had all the necessary facilities such as a library, cafes around the campus and rooms to study, or do group work. One other positive aspect I enjoy about the study environment was that the visiting professors, often from Denmark, were academically and socially very engaged with the students, which created a nice enabling environment for learning and getting to know your professors better.
What is it like to live in China?
To live in China for the first time can be challenging for some, but also a once in a lifetime experience. The country has an amazing cultural diversity, some of the largest cities in the world, great infrastructure to travel around and a diverse food culture. China is also a very safe country to travel in and people are extremely helpful and welcoming to foreigners. As such, you will encounter a very international environment when living in China. When settling in, you will face many administrative tasks that can be time consuming such as opening a bank account, getting your residence permit, moving into your dorm and most importantly, getting a Chinese sim card for your phone. Getting used to and understanding a very different culture can also be challenging, but approaching it with an open mind, and learn to be patient will get you a long way in China. It is a universal skillset that will stay with you forever. In the end you will experience a unique country full of history, tasty food and learn more about yourself than anywhere else in the world.
What do you think about the physical environment of SDC?
The SDC building is a modern campus that provides student with very good facilities to study and arrange events on site. The dorms were decent rooms and in good condition and had all the necessary amenities. After classes there was plenty of campus activities such as sports (football, badminton, swimming), watching movies and going for long walks and hikes at the Great Wall or in the surrounding nature. The Campus also has several restaurants on site and outside of the area, where you can go enjoy some nice local food. There are also transport opportunities to go to the nearest city Huairou or to Beijing for a day or weekend trip.
What is the social life like?
SDC is like a big family, and you will make great friendships with your fellow peers during your time in China. Personally, I made many friends (both Chinese and internationals) that I am still in touch with and travel with. The SDC staff is also socially engaged with the students, which makes it an even more comfortable environment to be in. There are also many professionals to network with in Beijing and you can attend events through the Danish Embassy or the DCCC, or be part of an expat football team where you can meet many international people living and working in China.
What did you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I visited Beijing on many occasions to eat great food and go out with friends. I did a lot of sports and was part of the Beijing Vikings football team. During breaks from studying, I travelled to different cities in China and during the Chinese New Year I travelled to countries like Vietnam, South Korea and the Philippines.
Where did you intern/work on thesis project and what did you gain from it?
During my internship I was part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Beijing and worked in one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world. I wrote my thesis in China where I focused on China’s increasing influence in Africa with specific focus on China and Ethiopia’s international development cooperation, partnership and donor-recipient relation. I conducted all my research and did my thesis defense in China as well.
How has your time at SDC/your MSc programme impacted your career?
Studying and living in China has benefitted me greatly. China’s geo-political importance in the world and how relatable and updated the Public Management studies was, has given me a very good foundation knowledge that I use today in my professional work. The studies also allowed me to develop a broad profile, yet specialized in international relations which is something I work with today.
Would you recommend others to choose the programme?
Yes! it is a unique time of your life, and I feel very privileged to have been able to study and live in China for two years. I would recommend this programme to anyone with a bit of interest in China and Asia, that wants to learn more about EU-China relations and work in an international environment – be it political or corporate.
SDC is like a big family, and you will make great friendships with your fellow peers during your time in China. Personally, I made many friends (both Chinese and internationals) that I am still in touch with and travel with. The SDC staff is also socially engaged with the students, which makes it an even more comfortable environment to be in. There are also many professionals to network with in Beijing and you can attend events through the Danish Embassy or the DCCC, or be part of an expat football team where you can meet many international people living and working in China.
What did you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I visited Beijing on many occasions to eat great food and go out with friends. I did a lot of sports and was part of the Beijing Vikings football team. During breaks from studying, I travelled to different cities in China and during the Chinese New Year I travelled to countries like Vietnam, South Korea and the Philippines.
Where did you intern/work on thesis project and what did you gain from it?
During my internship I was part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Beijing and worked in one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world. I wrote my thesis in China where I focused on China’s increasing influence in Africa with specific focus on China and Ethiopia’s international development cooperation, partnership and donor-recipient relation. I conducted all my research and did my thesis defense in China as well.
How has your time at SDC/your MSc programme impacted your career?
Studying and living in China has benefitted me greatly. China’s geo-political importance in the world and how relatable and updated the Public Management studies was, has given me a very good foundation knowledge that I use today in my professional work. The studies also allowed me to develop a broad profile, yet specialized in international relations which is something I work with today.
Would you recommend others to choose the programme?
Yes! it is a unique time of your life, and I feel very privileged to have been able to study and live in China for two years. I would recommend this programme to anyone with a bit of interest in China and Asia, that wants to learn more about EU-China relations and work in an international environment – be it political or corporate.