MEF ambassadors: Fan Yang
Fan Yang, born in China, is currently an assistant professor at the University of Economics in Prague. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in China, her Master’s degree at the University of Delaware in the US, and her doctoral degree at the Institute of Economic Studies FSV UK in 2024. Since 2025, she has served as an ambassador for the MEF program, helping to guide and inspire prospective students.
Could you talk about your experience studying at IES and share what impressed you the most?
My doctoral experience at IES shaped my academic path. The program’s practical curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, and focus on critical thinking provided me with a strong foundation for my academic career.
IES is full of vibrant intellectuals in various fields of economics and finance. I especially enjoyed the research seminars, where professors and students engaged in discussions on economic issues and research questions. These conversations often offered new ideas and contributed to my research progress. Moreover, the guidance and support I received from my supervisor during my graduate studies were invaluable.
Overall, my experience at IES not only equipped me with analytical skills but also inspired me to bring a similar academic dialogue and sense of curiosity into my own classrooms.
As a teacher at the University of Economics in Prague, how has your experience studying at IES helped you?
First of all, I am very grateful for the support from IES, which helped guide me in finding my current position. The advice from my supervisor and career advisor was extremely useful.
Studying at IES has greatly benefited my current work as a teacher at the University of Economics in Prague. IES offered a rigorous, research-focused environment with a strong emphasis on critical thinking. At the same time, as doctoral students, we had the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in lectures and seminars, where I learned teaching skills and how to communicate effectively with students.
I assisted in teaching financial accounting and company valuation at IES, and these two courses provided me with a general framework for my current lectures—Fundamentals of Accounting and Accountant in Business. To a large extent, this shortened the time needed to prepare teaching materials and enhanced my confidence in independent teaching.
The University of Economics in Prague has a diverse and collaborative community where I apply the skills and knowledge I gained at IES. I truly appreciate how these experiences complement each other.
You have studied at universities in China, the United States, and the Czech Republic — what do you think of your educational experience in these countries?
I consider myself very lucky to have an educational background in different countries and to experience different cultures. These cultures are, of course, closely related to local education systems.
I completed my undergraduate studies in China, where competition among students is fierce. Courses were intensive, and we also needed additional comprehensive training, such as IT skills, professional certifications, and foreign languages, in order to find jobs. At that time, I was not very confident and had not yet discovered my strengths, but my undergraduate studies built a solid foundation for my future education.
My graduate studies in the US were also course-based. I received recognition from several professors and started to re-evaluate my strengths. American academic culture encourages students to ask questions and share ideas, while at the same time maintaining strict examination standards. In China, competition is mainly concentrated in the university entrance exam, whereas in the US, exam results more accurately reflect students’ efforts and are often linked to scholarships for high-performing students.
For me, IES represents a combination of Chinese and American educational styles. Western academic culture encourages students to challenge ideas, and I observed a similar teaching approach at IES. I appreciated the environment in which professors often said, “Let’s discuss a topic,” rather than “I will teach you something.” IES also offers scholarships to high-achieving students.
Similar to Chinese graduate studies, doctoral applications at IES usually require students to propose a research project in order to better match their interests with potential supervisors. As a research-oriented institution, IES provides students with regular opportunities to discuss research progress with their supervisors, which I find particularly effective for individual learning.
Why did you decide to become an ambassador for IES?
I chose to become an ambassador for IES because the program had a significant impact on both my career and personal life. Many Chinese students may not know much about the Czech Republic, but I believe they would not regret studying here.
Based on my experience, many Chinese students are hardworking but may lack information or access to opportunities. I want to encourage them to consider alternative possibilities when making their decisions. The high quality of education and available internship opportunities can strongly contribute to future career development.
More importantly, students can enjoy a different culture, communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, and experience a new lifestyle. As an ambassador, I aim to guide new students through their journey, introduce them to the opportunities IES offers, and motivate them to pursue their dreams—just as I did.
Could you give some advice to Chinese students who are planning to study at IES?
I would like to share a few tips for Chinese students planning to study at IES.
First, be prepared to share your thoughts with others. Critical thinking is essential for understanding knowledge and generating ideas, so do not hesitate to speak up in class—your perspective is valuable.
Second, identify your strengths and areas of interest, as this is crucial for long-term career development. If you are unsure about your interests, take advantage of the study period to explore different possibilities.
Finally, maintain a healthy balance between study, work, and leisure. Explore Prague and other EU cities, enjoy local festivals and cuisine—it is about much more than just earning a degree.
