This past summer, I took advantage of one of the many incredible opportunities that Georgia Tech offers its students and studied abroad in China. The program I chose is the China Summer Program and is a Faculty Lead Study Abroad, meaning I got to have the experience of a lifetime literally halfway around the world while still being taught by Georgia Tech professors and staying right on target for graduation. The program mainly takes place in three cities: Tianjin (30 minutes from Beijing in the north of China), Shenzhen (connected to Hong Kong by metro in the far south), and Shanghai (approximately in the middle of the other two). With my friends though, I ended up exploring far beyond these cities, taking overnight trains, buses, metros, and taxis and walking tens of miles every weekend exploring the fascinating country and culture I was immersed in. I watched the sun set over the Great Wall of China on my birthday, was blessed by an adorable old monk who I don’t think had ever before seen a non-Chinese person in real life, was held captive by persistent hagglers in street markets, discovered the delicious taste of spring onion pancakes (good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), experienced the unfortunate press of people on the metro during rush hour, and so, so, much more.

No faster way exists to teach you about the world and all her people than going out and exploring it. I think it’s safe to use the cliché that my horizons have broadened, and my confidence in myself has certainly increased. The precious memories gained and lessons learned on my trip will never be forgotten. Now, I’m looking forward to going back in twenty years and seeing what will have radically changed and, of course, am planning my trip somewhere else for next summer!