China Study Abroad Program

Read what past students said about our program at LSC-CyFair.

Jennifer Giese

After participating in the 2009 program, Jennifer transferred to the University Houston. To read a story about Jennifer’s China abroad experience go to http://www.lonestar.edu/12733.htm.

April “A.J.” Gazmen

A.J. is currently an emergency room nurse and hopes to go back to China someday to volunteer in missions. She was part of the 2009 program.

1. Why is doing Study Abroad important?
To have a once in a lifetime opportunity to Study Abroad should be available to as many students as possible because of the incomparable human experience and education that one gains from immersing one’s self in another culture, place, and language.

2. What did you learn in China?
From an Asian descent perspective, I was exposed to the diversity and similarity within the food, religion, writing, language, and religious practices. Being in an international campus exposed me to the interracial interactions within the community. My preconceived ideas were proven wrong as my eyes were opened to the different aspects of college life in another country, personal space, idea of time, and emphasis on education. China is not the backward, communist country with everyone fighting like Jackie Chan. It was more than that. I learned that I could survive some place simpler with less things in my dorm room. I learned the importance of Skype and making friends with not just the locals, but with other American schools who gave important pointers on what to expect while living there.

3. What was your favorite excursion or activity?
Next to living on the beautiful Zhejiang University campus, conquering the Great Wall was my most memorable milestone. Not only did it feel amazing to check that off my list of things to do before I die, but the accomplishment left me in awe. Many a times I thought that I couldn’t crawl another foot further as I trembled at the steepness and greatness of this ancient fortress. However, after standing in one of the tallest towers, the personal satisfaction of pushing myself beyond my limit is a lifetime prize I shall treasure.

Chelsea Thomas

After finishing the Study Abroad program in June of 2009, Chelsea transferred to Emerson College in Boston, where she is majoring in writing.

1. Why is doing Study Abroad important?
Study Abroad is important to me because it’s an amazing opportunity not only to travel, but also to find yourself immersed in a new culture, (possibly) learn a new language, interact with people you’ve never met before and will most likely never meet again, and attain a new perspective on your life, where you live and what education means to you. I really think it’s important for students to live outside of their comfort zone for awhile and attain world experience – study abroad for me was an amazing chance to travel somewhere I may never be able to go again.

2. What did you learn in China?
China was an interesting place. I definitely learned that sometimes I just need to relax, have fun, and take in the amazing world around me. I learned to step outside of my comfort zone no matter how difficult that is for me and interact with other people. I was also able glimpse how the world works thousands of miles away, which is so fascinating. China, in comparison to the United States, is Mars – sure there’s Western restaurants and retail stores (and toilets), but it’s in such a different context. The Chinese lead such polar opposite lives, their daily activities and values and experiences culminate in an entirely different way.  It was amazing to see and be a part of. I definitely learned a new fascination with the Mandarin language, the intricacies of the characters and intonations, as well as a fascination with their history (now all those Zhang Yimou movies make sense). I also learned that traveling, while at times uncomfortable, coupled with learning is something I want to do over and over again.

3. What was your favorite excursion or activity?
My favorite excursion or activity is hard to pinpoint. Hangzhou’s Lingyin Buddhist temple was so grand and just beautiful. The huge Buddha statues, the intricate wall engravings, the lush pastoral setting. It was overwhelming in its breathtaking grandeur. I especially loved seeing Zhang Yimou’s West Lake performance – that was beautiful. Being able to go to the Tea Village in the mountains of Hangzhou and drink freshly dried tea – with a little bit of sales pitch – was wonderful. And while the excursions were wonderfully planned and added so much to my educational view of China, but the other half of that was just our semi-aimless wanderings about the city. Personally, I had a ton of fun at the Trust Mart grocery store just looking at what people eat and buy and need for there lives in China, viewing humanity a base level: necessity as perpetrated by produce. My favorite unofficial excursion was walking up the mountain to the Taoist Temple during the Dragon Boat festival. Honestly, I could go on and on about what I loved and what I’d like to do again, because it was all amazing, and it was all worth it.