Studying abroad in China was an amazing experience. I really didn?t know what to expect prior to this trip, as I knew China and its culture would be unlike anything I had experienced before. Being able to immerse myself into the environment while learning about some extremely interesting and informative topics has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What I was most apprehensive about that later pleasantly surprised me was the food. I had heard that it wasn?t like American Chinese food, but I wasn?t sure what else to expect. I found that the food was amazing, and completely unique in terms of taste, selection, and dining environments. I got to try a number of different foods I wouldn?t have tried otherwise. The language barrier was most present when ordering food at restaurants, but almost all of the people we came across were more than willing to help us. We even found help from another customer at a different table one night. Dining culture in China emphasizes community, and I feel we were able to find ours and also be included in theirs.
I had been excited the entire time to see all of the cultural landmarks and history that China had to offer. Our tour guides were all very knowledgeable and eager to answer any and all questions. China is a country full of rich history and a promising future. Getting to see everything from the Forbidden City and the Jade Buddha Temple to Wangfujing and Shanghai Tower was surreal and gave me more perspective on the history of the world we live in.
The lectures that we attended at Beijing Jiaotong University were extremely rewarding. I have always been interested in Chinese business and culture, and not only were we provided informative material on a number of interesting topics, but we were given enough foundation to continue researching and learning on our own in the future. It was an honor to be able to learn from the extremely knowledgeable professors at the university.
My favorite part of the trip was our weekend in Shanghai. Getting to spend free days in such a beautiful, modern city that reminded me of home in some ways, and was completely different in others, was unforgettable. We were able to go to the top of Shanghai Tower ? watching the sunset from the top of the second tallest building in the world was a priceless experience that I wouldn?t trade for anything.
China was more than I could have asked for, and I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to go on this trip. I was able to learn so much, academically and culturally, meet some amazing people, and experience a place I may not have otherwise. I am excited to go back in the future and further explore China.
-Alexis Rador