Before leaving for China, several questions kept rolling through my mind: “How will I get around and complete daily tasks, such as banking, shopping, and buying food, without knowing too much Chinese?”, “This will be a long time to be away from home, should I go?”, and of course “Can I afford this trip?”, etc…. 

Upon reflection, these concerns, though valid, were really not that concerning while in China.  I realized these so-called complications transform moments in our lives into memorable experiences.  They become perspective altering, causing us to look at the world through a different set of eyes.  If living in China were simple, would it be an experience worth recounting and sharing with others?

Trying to describe these experiences succinctly enough to be read in one sitting and accurately enough to express my excitement is impossible. So, suffice it to say, China was more amazing than can be described, though I could talk about it for hours to any lending ear.

While in Shanghai, I tried to experience China in its fullest.  I, and others, was adventurous enough to try many of the many unique dishes brought before us, such as having chicken’s feet, whole fish, or even having the Pizza Hut pizza with squid and octopus.  The words “Glutinous Rice” became well known.  Many times we ventured away from Shanghai University’s safety to take the Metro, elbow to elbow with thousands of other Metro riders, downtown.  There we walked on Nanjing Road, where neon lights combine with the crowd’s frenetic energy to intoxicate any visitor.  Though exciting, bargaining at the nearby the Yuyuan Market was more intoxicating and led to addiction.  I spent so much because I felt as if I were saving so much.  At least my friends back home enjoyed their souvenirs.  

Besides these draws, I cannot adequately describe the city smells, countless throngs of people, the organized chaos of traffic, the taste of freshly harvested tea, the feel of newly drawn silk, the awe of hiking Huangshan, watching Justin race PLA soldiers on the Great Wall, standing where the Emperors stood at the Temple of Heaven, or strolling where emperors strolled at the Summer Palace, or walking among a land where civilization thrived for thousands of years. …  The memories go on and on and will have to remain memories until I someday return to China—and I will!

Really, my journey to China defined the term “experience,” and, as Yang Laoshi (meaning Professor) repeatedly said, “You are modern-day Marco Polos.”   She was right.  

So experience a most memorable experience and define your perspective in China.  

China was one of the best experiences of my life.  I learned very much about such a different culture.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and I certainly would do it again.

Traveling to China has been an eye opening experience for me.  By going across the world and seeing other cultures, it has allowed me to realize how important our own history is. It has shown me to respect other cultures across the world. With trying the new foods, it has opened my mind

to taste things that I never would have even thought about before. It was a wonderful trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

My experiences abroad were absolutely terrific! The Japanese were all very open-hearted and welcomed me wherever I went. When I left America, I knew only 5 phrases in Japanese. I quickly picked up the language and after a few months could communicate near fluently with almost everyone. I am attending JCMU (Japanese Center for Michigan Universities) this summer through LSSU and will be seeking a minor in Japanese to polish off my linguistic skills in Japan for yet another year, and of course have fun while I’m there.    

My name is Madina and I am from Kazakhstan.  For the last five years I had been in the States, I learned how to depend on myself. I was 16 years old when I arrived at the Dulles International Airport.  Then I was lost and didn’t have the slightest idea what my next step would be.  Of course, after crying a little bit I found my way around.  I made lots of friends, traveled to 22 states, met wonderful people and improved my English. Traveling abroad really widens your horizon.  You start looking at the world with different eyes by understanding a different culture. I would highly recommend traveling abroad!

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