Jessica Kane
As an architecture student it was incredible to have the chance to visit China and also Tianjin University. The architecture faculty, even though it is highly prestigious, was very welcoming. Lab work presented with the opportunity to undertake individual analysis of the local architecture and its response to Chinese culture, with the assistant of a very helpful supervisor. The experience affirmed my interest into the region’s modern architecture and culture.
Opportunities to visit ancient architectural landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City were invaluable. Even to experience the culture of China first-hand through day-to-day activities was an amazing experience. As this was my first trip overseas I was glad that I was able to stay in a single place to develop a rapport with the people around me and experience the culture more deeply than the average tourist.
The ambassadors were amazing. I made many friends from the University of Tianjin. They were extremely generous with the time and loved to help us with any problem we might have had. The ambassadors were one of the highlights of my trip and I don’t think I would have had as valuable experience without them.
I really enjoyed the lessons scheduled on the trip. The Chinese language course was perfectly paced and it allowed me to be more independent around the campus. Laoshi Wang was a great teacher. At the end of the trip I was able to buy food and other necessities, haggle with confidence, ask for directions and have some very basic but successful conversations with the ambassadors and a few cab drivers, which I loved as I had no previous knowledge of the language. Culture classes were very interesting; they help me understand the Chinese people more and I felt less like an outsider.
This trip was an amazing experience; I found it well structured, educational, comprehensive and invaluable. I am grateful that I had the chance to have this experience and I wish to return to China in the future to extending my learning of the people and their architecture.
