Where have the days gone? It seems the summer has flew by and I leave in almost a month. My summer has consisted of working and taking classes; I have yet to fully take in the reality that I will be spending four months in Shanghai, China. Many people question my unique choice and the reasoning behind my decision to go to such a foreign place.
I’m currently a senior about to embark on my fifth year at Penn State, Yes my fifth year at Penn State! I’m a transfer student from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. I’ve recently decided to pick up a second major, Media Studies, my first major being Political Science. The Media Studies major has allowed me to spend one more year at Penn State, while also fitting in my second study abroad experience. During my sophomore year, I studied at Cambridge University for about a month. It was an amazing experience that was highly rewarding and my first real adventure of traveling the world. During my trip, I traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Holland, and France. I developed a great interest in traveling and realized how exciting and exhilarating exploring new places can be!
(Me on the Eiffel Tower!)
I’ve read other student blogs where they have desired to go to their country for many years. In my case, it’s quite the opposite. When I wrote my essays for the application to study abroad, I simply wanted something different. I wanted to explore the world, and travel to the unknown. In my personal opinion, I feel the more people travel, the more similarities we find with one another.
My original decision was to go to Egypt, in hopes for a glimpse at a different type of lifestyle. This was sadly cancelled, due to the unrest and revolution that occurred. After viewing the rest of my choices, I decided on Shanghai, The Paris of the East!
Why China? For many reasons:
1. Over 1 Billion People! A country with 1/6 of the world’s population has to offer something exciting.
2. World Power! I’ve developed a serious interest in politics, and constantly learn about China’s growing power in the world.
3. Communism! Whenever I tell anybody about my choice, I get the same reaction: “Why would you want to go to a Communist Country???” Well hopefully this blog will go beyond a simple government structure and provide insight on actual Chinese people. There are so many misconceptions and judgments towards other countries; I hope to witness firsthand daily life of the Chinese and grasp a solid understanding of their culture.
4. Culture! I contemplated Europe or Australia, but felt I was searching for something more. The introduction of a new language, as well as really learning about the Chinese way of life.
5. Food! One of my previous roommates and good friend is from Malaysia. He has complained about the American version of Chinese food, and the lack of authentic Chinese food in the United States. Well I hope to enjoy the authentic Chinese food, as well as blog about the differences.
6. Adventure! I’m one year away from graduation and about to enter the “real world”. I will most likely never get another to chance to live and really learn about another culture, especially for four months. This trip will provide great insight into China, as well as help me grow and develop as a person.
7. TRAVEL THROUGHOUT ASIA!
This blog will hopefully provide people an inside perspective of a student traveling throughout China, detailing the trails and tribulations of a student studying abroad. The blog will also be a tool of self-reflection and serve as a memory of my journey for years to come.
This post seemed rather boring, but a proper introduction of my Chinese adventure and myself is necessary. In the future, I hope to blog about the ups and downs of an American student living and exploring China!
Location: Freehold, NJ