Second year is over

Nevertheless, probably for every student exam time is quite stressful and hard working which everyone has experienced. Therefore, I will not write about this but I shall rather tell you about my summer plans. I have been accepted to “Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme”. The great advantage of this project is that I have got a scholarship for undertaking a research, and it is an opportunity to undertake research already after my second year at the university.

What is the topic of my research? I focus on transpacific trade between the Philippines and Mexico in the period between 1500 and 1800. There were the “Manila galleons” which sailed annually from Acapulco to Manila and back. I am looking at the influence of Chinese commodities, such as porcelain and silk, on Latin American patterns of consumption and production. This is useful as most historiography focuses on the export of Latin American silver to China through Manila, and not on material culture and Chinese commodities in Latin America

What does the research involve? Mostly it is about doing a lot of reading. I have to make an idea about what has been written about this topic. Then, I should find out some new approach to this. I have two supervisors with whom I can discuss my progress and who leads me the right direction. However, the research is quite independent. I also go to different British libraries – in Oxford and London – in order to get resources I need, so travelling is part of the research too.

What skills will I enhance? Firstly, I will deepen my knowledge about the Manila galleons, material culture and influences between China and Latin America. Next, I will experience all aspects of research, such as finding relevant sources, critical thinking or time management and planning. I also hope that it will help me to decide whether I want to continue on Masters. It is also a good experience for becoming an independent researcher as I spend a lot of time in the library just by myself.

Overall, I am very happy that I have the opportunity to do an undergraduate research and I would recommend it to all undergraduates, if you have the opportunity.