It’s no secret that China has risen to become a major player on the world stage. Not only is China at the epicenter of innovation, it has one of the richest histories on the globe. Students who study abroad in China will find themselves immersed in both ancient historic sites and a unique culture.
Students who study abroad in China will gain an intimate insight into a culture that continues to shape the modern world, according to the China Education Center.
Matthew Yates, curriculum integration advisor in the Study Abroad Office, said he talks regularly to students and faculty about how programs in China can help students achieve their academic goals, learn a language that will add great value to their lives and resumes and have fun while exploring the world and themselves.
Yates gave insight into his experience when he studied abroad in China at Fudan University, in the northern suburbs of Shanghai.
“The large cities have very good and easy-to-use public transportation systems that allow you to relax in a Chinese garden, have some tasty dumplings, shop for high-fashion clothes and view ancient artifacts all within the span of a few hours,” Yates said.
Since China’s official language is Mandarin, it may cause students that do not speak it hesitation to travel abroad there.
Shuyi Zhang, senior in hospitality management and dietetics, said this shouldn’t be a concern for students interested in studying abroad in China.
“It is not mandatory to speak Chinese before traveling to China because most people living there can speak some, if not all, English,” Zhang said.
World leaders in business, mathematics, astronomy, martial arts, philosophy and more, have studied in China and have made this a coveted location to study abroad, according to StudyAbroad.com.
“Many Chinese students are very eager to learn, not only to ensure they have good careers after they enter the job market, but because they are extremely curious about pretty much everything,” Yates said. “This cultural emphasis dates back to the ancient period, of course, but it was amazing to see how much this emphasis on education resonates in modern Chinese society.”
Yue Yuan, senior in hospitality management and dietetics said, in her opinion, how China’s culture is so different from American culture.
“By traveling to China, you can see how the Chinese culture is bound by one cultural identity, whereas, in America it is almost the complete opposite,” Yuan said.
With 925 international students from China on the K-State campus this helps to expose some K-State students to a little taste of China’s culture, according to Mary Pyle, assistant to the International Programs provost and program coordinator.
“Manhattan is a peaceful little town compared how busy China is,” Liang Li, senior in public relations from Shanghai, said. “It’s very different than Shanghai but I still love it here.”
K-State strives to develop partnerships with high-ranking universities, in new locations, which will provide safe and academically sound opportunities to our student population, according to the K-State Study Abroad website.
“I absolutely loved my time (in China), so leaving was very difficult,” Yates said. “I encourage everyone to travel to China if and when they have the opportunity.”
