Yujun Zou (PhD Candidate, School of International Studies, Peking University)
HYI African History and Cultures Training Program Visiting Fellow, 2022-23
“Education, Youth Politics, and international development cooperation in Uganda (1997-2021)”
What got you interested in your research topic/field?
My research interest focuses on China-Africa relations, particularly in the field of education and training. I was introduced to African studies in the first year of my undergraduate study. My undergraduate program in China Agriculture University is the first undergraduate program of development studies in China. At the project introduction meeting, we were told that there would be a possibility to visit Africa in the third year if we enrolled in this program. I was really excited at that moment, which turned out to be the starting point of my African studies adventure.
Outside of work, where can we find you?
Street restaurants and cafes. I am a foodie, and I also enjoy the hustle and bustle of streets. To me, local food courts/food alley is always the best place to explore the culture of a city. Exploring local snacks, talking to local vendors, and watching people haggling with each other always puts me at ease.
What would you want to do most as a career if you were not in academia?
Food blogger. I would become a food blogger, travel around, and tell people about food and the stories behind it. Maybe I would specialize on Chinese and African food.
Read Yujun Zou’s bio on our website.