On September 18, 2026, the Graduate School of Education at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) hosted the second session of EdTalk, a student-led academic exchange series in English. Under the theme “New Chapter, Shared Journey,” the event was held on an open-air terrace for the first time. In a freer, more relaxed atmosphere, this session brought together master’s and doctoral students to discuss challenges and growth in their research journeys. About 20 students participated, including international students from various countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Brunei, and Kyrgyzstan.
As the second event in the EdTalk series, this session retained its positioning as a “student-led, peer-to-peer exchange” while adopting a more open format to help participants relieve pressure and speak freely. After the opening, a doctoral student Zhang Yuxuan chaired the session, introducing the speakers and guiding the discussion. Three speakers took the floor consecutively to share insights on research exploration and academic growth for young scholars.
Wu Yue, a master’s student, presented Working Your Way Into Research: What the Office Taught Me, and What I Went Looking For. She shared how she gradually identified her research interests through practical experience and demonstrated that academic journeys are non-linear.
Doctoral student Gao Yaoxin delivered the talk Gen AI-Boosted Productivity: From Playing Towards Publishing. He explored ways generative artificial intelligence can enhance research productivity, with live demonstrations on his computer. He also showcased original research tools he developed, including JK’s File Locator for locating PDFs more efficiently, Byway Beiwai for secure off-campus academic access, and JK’s AI-Chat Viewer for searching and visualising AI chat histories.
Another doctoral student, Sun Yuhan, presented Finding Your Research Question in the Life You’ve Already Lived, illustrating how to discover and refine original research questions by drawing on personal past experiences.
From different perspectives, the three speakers demonstrated the diversity and non-linear nature of research trajectories. There is no single standard model for research exploration; every scholar follows a unique growth path, yet shared academic experiences bring young researchers together for mutual support.
A discussion session followed the presentations. Participants shared their recent reflections on academics and personal growth, openly discussing various challenges encountered during research. Moving beyond the mere presentation of finished outcomes, they confronted difficulties in the research process and drew encouragement and motivation from one another’s stories, creating a sincere and in-depth dialogue.
This outdoor EdTalk served not only as an academic sharing session but also as a peer-learning gathering for master’s and doctoral students to support and inspire each other, fostering a stronger academic community.
The second EdTalk was organised by the student volunteer team of the Graduate School of Education, with support from Associate Professor Jáfia Naftali Câmara and Assistant professor Xu Mo. Upholding EdTalk’s founding mission, the programme connects students across grades and academic stages, accompanying them as they conduct academic research with confidence. The EdTalk series will continue later in the autumn semester of 2026, with differently themed events held monthly. Faculty and students are welcome to join future sessions.
