Enjoy in Studying in China and Taiwan
Study in China, Students' Testimony
Study in Taiwan, Students' Testimony
Study in China, Students' Testimony
Video About China
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China is one of the worlds leading economic markets.
I don't think I thought of any of this when I went to China. I went to China because Jackson State was offering classes in Mandarin and it seemed interesting. Little did I know that I would have spent almost half a year in China, when I started CH 101 on campus. By now, I have been to China twice and had two very different experiences. The main purpose of both trips to China was to study Chinese. I was part of a study abroad group the first time I went to China. My first experience in China was truly both a learning and cultural enrichment and also a little bit of a culture shock. The main purpose of my trip to China was to study Chinese. My second trip was almost entirely different. While I was in China, I lived with a host family and I also engaged in service learning and taught English in a high school in Hunan Province. Both of my trips were beneficial because I gained a strengthened global appreciation. I truly appreciate the opportunity that I was given and I will never forget it for the rest of my life.
My initial response to life in China was complete and utter culture shock. I was so surprised by the sheer number of people in Beijing that I felt like I was being suffocated. For example, the first time I took the Beijing subway, I felt like I couldn't breathe. The space was so crammed, that I had to push on with my elbows locked. However, after I became acquainted with the never-ending crowds, it became an eye-opening and unforgettable experience. I was able to go to many of the famous places in China, 长城，故宫, and 天安门。It didn't take long for me to adapt to Chinese life. I learned to adapt rather quickly. I learned about the different customs and values that are local to China. During my first trip to China, I studied Chinese at a school with a group of my classmates from JSU. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience because the lesson was always relevant. We would learn new words in the morning and use them that same afternoon. The lesson in China was always practical. For example, one day, we learned how to say the name of the school and had to use that same lesson to get back home. My first trip to China was definitely great. However, it hardly compares to the second trip.
My second experience in China was definitely a more culturally enriching experience for several reasons. This time, I didn't have a huge group of JSU classmates to fall back on. Therefore, I was completely immersed into Chinese society.
The first thing I noticed when I went to China the second time was that it was easier to understand people. I was so surprised about the progress I had made by studying in the campus Chinese classes. The fact that I was able to hold conversations with taxi drivers absolutely blew my mind.
I lived with a host family during my second trip. I stayed with them five days out of a week so my progress was needed. My host family consisted of a father, mother, son and the son's younger cousin. Staying with a host family was one of the best parts about the trips, after getting used to being in there home. I spent most of my time with my host brother. He was studying English and I was studying Chinese, so we learned from each other. I felt like I was a member of their family. They treated me as if I was their son. Another great aspect of the trip was the traveling. During my second trip, I was able to do an enormous amount of traveling. I visited cities in both the north and the south. I had the opportunity to visit Hunan University in 长沙, which was established in the Song dynasty. I rode a boat on West Lake in 杭州. I took pictures of the Bund in 上海. I even climbed rocks in the Lion Garden in 苏州. While, I was in Hunan, I had my first teaching experience. I was involved in service learning in a high school in the small city of 汉手. I was one of the only foreigners many of the townspeople had ever seen. Teaching English was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. For most of the people, I offered the first opportunity for them to speak English with a native speaker. My second trip to China was definitely better experience compared to my first trip.
I believe that every college student should have a study abroad experience. There were three main benefits for me studying abroad. They were It not only allows for a person to have a better understanding of another culture, but it also helps to renew appreciation for their own culture. This is all true for my experience. The study abroad experience also contributed to a great deal of personal growth. While, I was in China, I really had to be self-reliant and independent. Another issue, which was more relevant during my first trip, was I had to learn to coexist and adapt to life with roommates. The second benefit of the study abroad program was that it opened my eyes to another culture. It was great to see the different aspects of Chinese culture and compare them to American culture. For example, the family structure in China is closer knit. I noticed that children refer to their cousins as siblings making all family like immediate family. The third benefit of studying abroad is that it gives the student a renewed appreciation for their home country. For example, you can't really appreciate your own culture until you've been somewhere else that's different. Only then can you really understand why you like your home. A study abroad experience will definitely change a person life for the better.
Studying Chinese in China was probably one of the best experiences in my life. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit China and have to very different experiences. My first trip to China was more of a tour. I was with a group of English speakers studying Chinese. My second trip allowed me to become integrated into Chinese society. There was less of a language barrier so I was able to get more out of the trip. Finally, studying abroad was beneficial to my academic growth and also as a person in general. In conclusion, my experience in China has influenced me to understand other cultures and to be globally aware. I will always appreciate the opportunity that I was given and I will never forget this experience for the rest of my life.
Adam Jones
During my stay in Zibo, China this summer I spent eight weeks learning the different aspects of Chinese culture. This time was spent learning Chinese cooking, calligraphy, dance, knitting, sewing, singing, ping pong and tai chi chuan. Each class was very informative. All of these activities obtained my interest.
Bettina L. Henderson
After living in China for two and a half months, I must say that my experiences surpass all that I have ever had. The breathtaking sights, the incredible people, the exquisite food, I mean it’s almost too much for words. There were so many great experiences there… from Chinese cooking to Tai Chi, maybe a little bit of brush painting, or possibly the Chinese signing and dance, I enjoyed it all.
Chinye’re K. Marner
I would recommend this program to anyone and everybody. My experience with learning Chinese at Jackson State University, and then getting the opportunity to go and study abroad in China at Zibo, was excellent and life changing. The professors are the type of teachers that teach you the practical but also the interesting aspects of the culture and language, and will quickly become your friends. Going aboard will change your perspective on life and the world and how you fit in it. Also you will have so much fun visiting new places (like the great wall) and meeting new people. It will be one the best decision you make in life, and I suggest that nobody pass it up if they are really thinking about doing it.
Jason Morris, Jackson State University, Major Mass Communications.
The thought of participating in a study aboard program was only that, a thought, until March of 2006. You, Ms. Mei-Chi Piletz, had a life-changing plan and vision, and I was apart of that plan. Your goal was to have as many students as possible from Jackson State University study aboard in China, and although it seem liked a far fetched dream, we persevered and made the dream a reality. We began working towards going to China by raising money through fundraisers and various personal donations, because the trip included allot of expenses. Although the expenses appeared out of reach to some, we were blessed with a generous donation from the former NFL commissioner, Paul Tagliabu, which allowed everyone who wanted to go an opportunity to do so. His charitable donation covered the cost of tuition for me and seven other students. The only other major cost, I was faced with was that of my plane ticket. On May 30, 2006, I ventured out of the comfort of my country in search of a new found education, experience, and better understanding of the culture and language of China. I traveled to Zibo and made it my home for ten weeks. While in Zibo we studied and learned about many different aspects of the Chinese culture such as: cooking, knitting and cutting, ping-pong, painting, and my favorite, dancing. There many different forms of Chinese dance and one can go on and on naming and listing them all. Although I was only taught a portion of the type of dances in China, the knowledge obtained was very educational. Because there is so much history involved in how dance came about, one cannot possible know exactly when and how dance evolved in China. I am just thankful I was given a peek into the Chinese and Tibetan dance culture, because after all, dancing is a joy to me, no matter what culture it descends from.
- Shequita Pollard
"Because I have had the amazing opportunity to live in Zibo, one of the most culturally seasoned Provinces in China, a love for the Chinese culture now exists deeper than ever in my spirit after only two short months of living here. The Chinese culture has been a culture of shocking optimism that has welcomed my classmates and me with open arms. It is here in Zibo that I have learned many different aspects of the Chinese lifestyle, such as the dedication of instructors found in Chinese education, cooking traditions, the Chinese language, and most importantly, the value of family and friendship.
My experiences with the Chinese education in Zibo have made me appreciate the positive investment that many teachers here have in their students. Many of the instructors have willingly set aside extra time to teach us their individual areas of specialty. Instructors specializing in calligraphy, singing, dancing, drawing, paper cutting, and ti GI have shared their skills with us in hopes of making us more knowledgeable of a very complex culture. I did not expect to be a master at any of these skills (and my expectations were correct), but the diligence as well as the continuous encouragement I received from my teachers pushed me towards excellence.
My travels here to China have taught me even more about the value of friendship, happiness, and communication. After months of class and experiences in a new culture, I see an everlasting transformation that has occurred inside of me. This transformation and much more guarantees many more future travels for me to this great country.
- Ulessiah Johnson
Study in Taiwan, Students' Testimony
Video About Taiwan
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My voyage to explore the country of Taiwan was a very adventurous and fun-filled experience… one of the most important things that were learned here is the different languages spoken here…another great part of the Chinese lessons is learning about the Chinese culture. We got to learn about the origin of the Dragon dance and the story of Chu Yuan. …finally, the most entertaining part of the studies was the afternoon activities and weekend voyage… the afternoon activities include ping pong lesions, Tai-Chi training, Chinese cuisine preparation, Japanese tea ceremony experience, etc. these were great ways for us to spend time with our Chinese buddies and to actually do some social bonding. I hope that this partnership between Diwan and JSU is a lasting one that many students from both universities get to experience for decades to come.
Cary Smith -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
The Chinese language is a very interesting language to learn and because there is so much Chinese influence in the States I felt this would be a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge of the language and culture… I found inspiration here [Taiwan]. I found my voice. I will return to the United States more culturally aware as well as with the ability to speak Chinese at least on the intermediate level… Taiwan was my moment and my chance and I lived it to the best of my ability. I will never forget what this university has done for me personally and academically. This is an opportunity that is not offered to many and I am honored to have been able to experience it. Thank you!
Areonne Alexis -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
as a minority in the United States specifically the south, opportunities like these come once in a lifetime… the most exciting thing about being here is the people… When I got here I met my buddies and new friends for a lifetime.. .after the first week, I started opening up and sharing my joy with a new group of people that I never knew. This invisible change will help me in the future when I get a job or have participate in other group activities…Diwan University [ in Taiwan] has advanced my entire life within three weeks to seek a higher level of education, motivate others to experience diversity, and share with the world how programs such as these radically change the perspectives that youth have on their lives…I will cherish every moment I spent learning from our wonderful teachers, eating real Chinese food in the cafeteria, going on adventures, talking to my buddies, smiling everyday, and learning who I really was. Again I say, this is a great program and I know it will change lives just as it change mine.
Noleen Davis -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
JSU and Diwan University has provided us with opportunities of a lifetime that have expanded our Chinese language and culture knowledge, influenced our personal and career goals, and changed our perspectives of our social lives and international life as a whole…usually I read about Ivy league students participating in study abroad programs all over the world but this year they will be reading about the HBCUs that academically invaded Taiwan at Diwan University…besides grasping the language and culture, we learned more about ourselves and what drives us to move forward in life to pursue happiness… coming to Taiwan was a goal that I accomplished and it was something extraordinary that I always wanted to participate in. I am a better person because of this program. Along with that, I am a better listener and a more improved scholar.
Tiffany Edmondson -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
My experience here has been a great experience and an already lifelong memory. This is a beautiful place with beautiful people, and the vibe here is even better. The teachers did their best with the study abroad students and put forth effort to teach us the Chinese language .the extracurricular activities were also fun.I have truly learned a tremendous amount of Chinese and would want to come for a semester when ever the time was available. From the Japanese tea class, the aboriginal dancing, the softball, the food science (lovely), and the calligraphy, it was all fun. It is so much to put about Diwan University I want to write a song. This is an experience I will truly never forget and wish would last longer.
Shomare’ Haire -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
My first at Diwan was an excellent one. Teachers engaged us in the culture and language with all of our senses. As an education scholar I was very appreciative of the teachers including all of the learning styles in their presentations. We are all the better because of the time and effort they put into this short but packed three week course of study… also ,the afternoon cultural course were definitely a highlight of my experience at Diwan… I must say that inclusion of the student buddies and TAs was the single most encouraging aspect of the program. They truly made the program a memorable one.
Derwin Miller -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
Throughout the course of the time, we have learned how to speak, write, and use the Chinese language. In addition, we have experienced the culture of Chinese customs through sightseeing and touring of the sites in Taiwan such as the museums and factories, and the temples of many… overall, the whole program was a great opportunity for students to study abroad and learn the specific language that was chosen to study.
Farah Christmas -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
I can honestly say that this was a life-changing experience. This program allowed me to see what I am capable of and what I need to improve or change about myself…I am more confident in myself and my capabilities because of this trip, and I will never forget the lessons that it taught me. I will never forget my experiences in Taiwan. It opened my eyes to a world that I had never seen before. I will never forget the generosity of the people here. I will tell everyone I know back home how we, African American students from Mississippi, were treated like kings and queens in a place where color did not matter and where we felt like we were at home.
Ashley Nichole Tucker / Junior, Biology Major / Mississippi Valley State University -- 05/2007, Taiwan Trip
