Joe Zhou
Joe Zhou is a final year PhD student. His research topic is looking at a foreign second language training model for Chinese organisations and companies through an international communication strategy.
What is your research topic?
Hopefully I’ll finish this year. I enjoy it very much and I have learnt a lot from doing this research. Four years
ago when I first came here I didn’t know what the education system was like in England, and there is a big difference between the Chinese and English systems.
How do you find studying at Southampton Solent University?
It’s brilliant, and to be honest I have learned a lot. I used to work for my home university in China, and studying here is a great experience. The supervision team for my PhD study at Solent is very helpful and supportive, and also very friendly.
I have been in the research centre for four years, and I really like it. I work seven days a week, people usually don’t like working during the weekend but I love working during the weekend! It’s a very nice environment, it’s quieter, you can get on the internet, and you can use the e-resources and library resources whenever you want, it’s so flexible and very convenient.
What do you find particularly rewarding when studying?
Well a lot. First of all I enjoy the attitude to research here at Southampton Solent University. In China you don’t need to be very critical, but here at Solent they try to develop your ability to be more critical and use more initiative. I also have the chance to learn how to use certain types of software for my research.
When I finish my PhD I will take back this attitude to research in China to show people what I have learnt at this university.
How do you think your research will help you in your career?
I am in charge of a research division at Ningxia University in China, and I have found there is a big gap between the work at Solent and at my university in China in terms of how to conduct research, particularly on research methods design, attitudes towards undertaking research etc… There is a huge amount of work to do in order to narrow down this gap but I already know how to help and try to fill this gap.
Some of your interests/ hobbies?
I used to play a lot of football, although I haven’t had much time for it since starting my PhD. I support Manchester United.
I also play table tennis, and volley ball. Volley ball used to be my favourite sport; I used to play for my university team. I also like travelling, and watching movies when I have some time to relax.