Next
Mirai KIRSANOVS
Student of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia
Exchange to Tianjin Normal University, China
I have been studying Chinese language since high school, but I was unclear how I could incorporate it into my professional career. The 2011 exchange to Tianjin, China has been a turning point for me firstly by exposing me to a depth and range of Chinese language experiences that would not be available in Australia alone. Equally important, the exchange has provided me with contacts within China, which culminated in an internship that I undertook in Beijing and further work from where I am now, in New York City. Without a doubt, having the opportunity to study in China has been one of the most valuable experiences I have had so far in my educational life.
As well as studying, we were given countless opportunities to become integrated into the local community, which, I’m glad to say we took full advantage of. Throughout our time in China we made many new friends, who invited us to their homes to experience some traditional Chinese culture. We attended birthday parties, sung at karaoke, and generally participated in the full range of activities that a local student would do.
The exchange program strongly encourages not only a thorough educational experience as part of the program, but a more broad understanding of Chinese culture that can come only from travelling. Before I started my studies, I was able to travel throughout China with some fellow exchange team members. This was an awe-inspiring introduction to China; we had some incredible adventures and were introduced to the beautiful Chinese landscape. We were also introduced to the genuine hospitality that is a fundamental part of Chinese culture. I had many subsequent trips throughout my time in China and saw the variety of ways that the Chinese live across the country.
The exchange has been an enriching and fulfilling experience, priceless in its value for developing a more global consciousness. I want to sincerely encourage any student considering undertaking a foreign exchange to take the opportunity. Even if you have no past experience or connection with a particular country or place, a student exchange is a priceless opportunity to challenge yourself in a new environment and expose yourself to a new culture.
In my own exchange group, I was the minority in experience with Chinese language and culture. Far from subtracting from our experience as a group, it made it all the more enjoyable for everyone. The exchange was unique for every single one of us lucky enough to be involved in this fantastic opportunity. Such a diverse group of people took away a huge variety of differing perspectives and experiences from our time in China. This opportunity has broadened our global horizons, and opened doors that many of us had never even considered before coming to China. Some of our team had never considered coming to China before being accepted into the program, yet now are all eagerly looking forward to returning to China and all the friends they have made there.
© Copyright 2018 CK Group. All rights reserved.