Study

During the summer session at Oxford University, they offered four courses this summer. However, I was disappointed to find that there wasn’t a 3-D modeling course offered. As a result, I opted to delve into a new area and participated in the TEI course. TEI is a program that allows for the digitization of documents. After completion, the code for the document can be shared with scholars worldwide for research purposes. The course has provided me with valuable insights. Digitizing a document with TEI is a complex task that may span several months. Despite its challenges, I acknowledge the convenience it offers. Scholars translate ancient manuscripts before digitizing them with TEI and sharing the code worldwide. In contrast, research of this nature is scarce in East Asia. Notably, a considerable amount of excavated ancient Chinese materials could benefit from TEI digitization, yet this undertaking demands substantial financial and temporal investments, presenting a formidable challenge.

City landscape

Apart from the educational aspect at Oxford University, it presents a fantastic chance to engage in the lifestyle of a historic city. The picturesque landscapes and cultural allure of Oxford make for truly invaluable experiences.

Challenge

Mastering TEI is a demanding endeavor, especially considering the complexity of understanding its mechanisms in a mere week. Moreover, my experience in this course has been notably challenging. Among predominantly local and European participants, I stand out as the only Asian attendee. Their willingness to share knowledge, ask questions, and engage in discussions with instructors is admirable and fosters a rich learning environment.

Inspiration

After a week of immersive learning and living, I have gained new insights and aspirations for the future. In my academic pursuits, my goal is to incorporate the experiences from this week into the potential and impact of my research projects. This international experience underscores the various paths and opportunities that life can offer. Sometimes, a person’s current position may not align with their dreams, indicating that growth and fulfillment could be found elsewhere. Therefore, seizing opportunities may be the key to significant changes in one’s life.