What were you doing at 18? Did you have your life together then? Well, I didn’t. I was probably dreaming of meeting this one Korean actor I really liked.
At 18, Dana Kalambaeva already knows what she wants out of life and what she wants to do with it. While most of us were busy figuring out how to cook food without setting off the dorm’s fire alarm, she was out there making actual plans — real, grown-up ones.
Kalambaeva’s not just dreaming big — she’s got direction and determination, and she’s even taking an unconventional route by she’s pursuing English in China.
Kalambaeva and her classmates showcasing Diligentia College, the second college established under the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s collegiate system in Shenzhen. Source: Dana Kalambaeva
Leaving a degree that could pay well for a “low-paying” one
Everyone wants to pursue a degree that pays six figures, whether that be a medical, engineering, data science, or dentistry degree.
While it’s difficult to quantify exactly how many people want to pursue high-paying degrees without having a passion for them, we can say it’s a common phenomenon.
That was the case for Kalambaeva.
“I enrolled at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, in a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science and Big Data Technology,” she says. “But it wasn’t my choice. My mum encouraged me to pursue it because once I graduate, I have a higher chance of getting a high-paying job.”
Not only will she hold a degree that may score her a high-paying job, but Kalambaeva will be graduating from one of the top universities in Asia. The Chinese University of Hong Kong is ranked #32 on the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #6 on QS Asia University Rankings 2025.
She could earn approximately 456,000 Hong Kong dollars (US$58,089) a year if Kalambaeva were to work in Hong Kong after graduation, according to Jobsdb by Job Seeker.
Kalambaeva understood why her mum made that decision for her, but something still didn’t sit right with her.
Kalambaeva at a &Team concert in Bangkok, and it was where she and I (Nicole Chin) first met. Source: Dana Kalambaeva
After completing her first year, she decided to change her major — and it was a change you’d never expect — from a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science and Big Data Technology to a Bachelor’s in English Studies.
And there’s a good reason why she’s decided to pursue English in China.
“I love the language, especially English, as I’ve been learning it for years,” Kalambaeva says. “But it was at the end of my first year that I started struggling with my data science classes, which really took a toll on me.”
Kalambaeva was firm with her decision. She talked with her mum and told her the truth about her struggles, and to her surprise, her mum gave her blessings.
This wasn’t an easy conversation to have. Kalambaeva always tried her best to be a “good daughter” and listen to her parents, but it came to a point where she realised that this is her life and she wanted to take control of it (not that her parents were controlling hers).
It’s a very Gen-Z move — taking control of one’s life and focusing on achieving a dream.
“My mum knows how passionate I am for the English language, and she even reads my translation work,” says Kalambaeva.
Today, she is in the process of applying for a change of degree.
The Da Fo Temple on Beijing Road, Guangzhou. Source: Dana Kalambaeva
Studying English in China is where it’s at
Born and raised in Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia, to Kazakh parents, Kalambaeva was familiar with Asian culture.
“Magnitogorsk is a small city in Russia that’s both in Asia and Europe, so I grew up in a unique environment,” she shares. “It was a mix of culture, but the Asian part always intrigued me. I also admire the Chinese culture as they are hardworking and dedicated to everything they do.”
Kalambaeva initially chose to study in China because it’s like an Asian Silicon Valley, and it’s the perfect country to learn more about technology.
And she’s right. In 2021, Shenzhen, the city she’s studying in, was called the “Silicon Valley of China”, as it is home to leading Chinese tech companies such as Huawei, WeChat, BYD, and DJI.
That’s not all; the university provides many opportunities for its students.
“My university allows us to attend conferences and meet with professors to better our knowledge in the field,” Kalambaeva says.
However, now that she’s pursuing a degree in English Studies, a concern that may be commonly shared will probably arise: Is studying English in China a good decision? Why not pursue it in Canada, the UK, Australia, or the US?
But for Kalambaeva, that isn’t the case — she believes that learning English in China is it.
“I have already taken a couple of English classes, and it has been amazing,” she says.
“The classes are well-planned and we’ve learn to share our thoughts on the topics we’re learning. The majority of our English professors are internationally educated, and one of them has graduated from the University of Sydney.”
The English classes have even helped improve her confidence, all thanks to the number of presentations she has participated in.
If that still hasn’t convinced you, here’s a fun fact. Several Asian universities have made it onto the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for English Language and Literature — seven of which are Chinese universities, and are ranked top 100.
Kalambaeva knows she is not going to regret her choice of studying English in China.
So, can you earn more if you pursue a career in the humanities?
It’s a fair question — even for Kalambaeva, someone who switched from data science to English studies.
While it’s true that careers in STEM tend to offer higher starting salaries, that doesn’t mean humanities graduates are automatically at a disadvantage. And in reality, many humanities (even for students pursuing English in China) go on to build financially stable careers in a wide range of industries.
Graduates with a background in English or other humanities subjects often find work in fields like education, media publishing, communications, marketing, and even tech.
With the rise in digital content and the growing need for clear, effective communication, there’s an increasing demand for those who can think critically and write well.
Kalambaeva and her friend whom she met during her time at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Source: Dana Kalambaeva
Besides, marketing is now one of the top-paying humanities jobs.
Pursuing a degree in humanities also means that you’ll learn strong analytical and interpersonal skills, allowing you to find success in your future career.
Ultimately, success in the humanities depends on how you apply what you’ve learnt. For Kalambaeva, studying is a stepping stone to a career where she can use her strengths and make an impact.
And while her path may look different from those in data or tech, it’s just as valid — and potentially just as rewarding.
