“Canada impressed me as a vibrant, inclusive, and beautiful country that embraces diversity and actively supports young writers,” said Zhitong Chen, a 2024 recipient of a ICCS Graduate Student Scholarship.
Zhitong is an English Language and Culture graduate student in the College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, Sichuan University. For her doctoral project, “The Economy of Prestige of Alice Munro’s Works,” she undertook a short-term research visit to the University of Toronto from May to July 2024, conducting field research in Alice Munro’s hometown and collecting materials from libraries. Professor Robert McGill, Department of English, University of Toronto, was her academic host.
“My time in Toronto was deeply rewarding,” she said. “It gave me access to essential research materials, connected me with Canadian literary scholarship, and broadened my understanding of the country through visits to Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.”
One of her most memorable experiences was her research trip to Alice Munro’s home region in Huron County. “Only after arriving in Canada and visiting her hometown did I gain a truly profound sense of the local environment,” Chen said.
She made the most of her short visit, advancing her dissertation, co-authoring—together with McGill—the updated “Alice Munro” entry now published on the Literary Encyclopedia website, and making full use of the University of Toronto and Toronto Public Library resources.
After completing her PhD, she plans to continue her research on Canadian literature, with a sustained focus on the works of Alice Munro.
“I also intend to expand my scope to include other Canadian authors, particularly emerging voices and new literary trends. In addition, I hope to explore broader cultural phenomena in Canada and introduce them to Chinese readers through academic writing, contributing to greater cultural exchange between China and Canada,” said Chen.
When asked to share her experiences to inspire a future Canadian Studies Scholar on a similar research journey, she said: “I would share importance of engaging with Canada not only through texts, but also through lived experience. Visiting Canada allowed me to see how literature is rooted in place, community and history. From libraries to conversations with scholars and visits to meaningful sites, each moment deepened my understanding in ways that no amount of reading alone could provide. I would encourage others to remain open, curious, and willing to immerse themselves fully in both the academic and cultural life of Canada—it is this openness that will make the research journey truly transformative.”
Our 2025 Graduate Student Scholarship winner were announced earlier this year. You can learn more about this opportunity at this link.