Contact a Program Graduate

SNU, Xi'an

Hannah Turpin, Denison University

My name is Hannah Turpin. My name is Hannah Turpin and I am an East Asian Studies major with a French and Music Performance minor at Denison University. Since I spent my first two years of college studying Chinese language and history it made sense to spend a semester in China. I went through the Alliance program Fall 2009 and it was an incredible experience. Overall it was a wonderful introduction to Chinese life and culture.

Because I am interested in people and art, and since I was particularly keen on living in a city without a large Western influence, Xi'an was a perfect option. The city, the ancient capitol of China , has a fascinating blend of antiquity and modern. I loved the Silk Road focus. It gave me a great understanding of the roles of foreign influence in China's past and I was able to see how China was shaped.

Traveling is one of my favorite things and I was amazed at how much of China I was able to see in only 4 months. With the combination of the 2 week-long Silk Road trip and several small weekend travels, I have seen almost as much of China as I have of the United States! Everything was well-organized and the director was always there if we needed anything. We still had plenty of independence but if something went wrong, help was there.

Xi'an is a perfect opportunity for a student who is willing to be a little more adventurous and explore the wonders of China. It is important to take advantage of every opportunity because there is so much to see! This was definitely a fun and educational program and I had a blast! I could not have picked a better option and I would do it again in an instant!

Sarah Beth Phelps, Meredith College

My name is Sarah Beth Phelps. Currently, I am a junior at Meredith College majoring in International Studies and Spanish. I am a native of North Carolina and (obviously) love to travel. After college, I plan to pursue a career in International Law. I chose to study Chinese because I’ve always wanted to go to China and once, when I was little, someone told me that I couldn’t learn Chinese. Naturally, I wanted to prove them wrong. I really enjoyed spending my summer in China and would love to go back to see more of the country. 

Hannah Rickard, Mount Holyoke College

My name is Hannah Rickard. I go to Mount Holyoke College in Massachusets and am a member of the class of 2011. My major is History with and concentration in Chinese History. I love China and I would love to talk to anyone about anything that has to do with China. I grew up on a farm in small town Ohio and I was homeschooled. Going to China in 2009 was a dream come true for me. I had always wanted to go to China but I had never been able to take Chinese language classes. I was really happy that the Xi'an program did not require years of language instruction. When I arrived in Xi'an China I was really excited but also really scared. Now after learning Chinese in China I think that I was perhaps better off than if I had taken it for years. I did not have any really bad habits that I had to break. But most importantly I loved China and I would love to go back to China given the chance.

Shanghai, SUFE

Rachel Teter, Arcadia University

My name is Rachel Teter, and as an International Business major with a minor in Economics I thought that Shanghai, one of the financial centers of the world, would be the perfect place for me to study abroad. As a senior at Arcadia University, I've had the opportunity to study abroad three times in three amazing countries, most recently China. While each country had its own unique charm, China is where I am most looking forward to returning to. I took a variety of business and Chinese class while studying in Shanghai and found it both highly challenging and rewarding. While I only had taken one semester of Chinese before this semester, I was able to have conversations with taxi drivers and store owners about their lives and the city they lived in by the end of it.

Because China is so multifaceted, it is so exciting to go outside of the city and travel because the food, language and people are all so different even a few hours away, it's almost like traveling to a different country. Our Alliance trips to Hong Kong and Macau showed us a completely different side of the country and my own trip to Beijing with friends yet again surprised us with an array of famous monuments and fascinating people. During my time there, I fell in love with China and hope to return after my graduation as a volunteer.

Read Rachel's blog!

Jonathan Scher, Bentley University

My name is Jonathan Scher, class of 2011, and I’m a Computer Information Systems major with a concentration in Global Perspectives and a Chinese minor at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. During my spring semester in 2009, I participated in a study abroad program in Shanghai, China with 40 students from around the United States that was organized by the Alliance for Global Education. I arrived in Shanghai knowing very little Mandarin and not knowing anyone. However, I was optimistic and anxious to take advantage of all that Shanghai had to offer. My favorite memories are seemingly endless and range from living with a Chinese roommate, eating the most amazing and strange food in the backstreet that doesn’t even come close to Chinese food in the United States, to learning Mandarin with Ding Laoshi and taking business courses that compare China to the United States. Along with time after our classes to explore Shanghai, the Alliance scheduled many events including two Field Study trips to get tour Shanghai and travel around China, which were eye-opening and life-changing. These trips included company visits to both small businesses and large corporations that provided me with a better understanding of the Chinese economy and a better foundation of international business.

The opportunity to travel to China is one that is not available to everyone, not to mention studying there during college, which is one of the many reasons I would highly recommend studying there. I have learned as much, if not more, information from the courses I took while studying in Shanghai as I have from my American peers, the Chinese roommates, and living in another culture that was the complete opposite from one I have been living all of my life. I have experienced so much from living in Shanghai for only four months that I would go back instantly if I had the opportunity.

Elizabeth Terziyski, Bentley University

My name is Elizabeth Terziyski and I study Finance and Economics at Bentley University in Massachusetts. I spent my Spring 2009 semester with the Alliance at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. I had never studied Chinese before but in one semester, I learned more Chinese than I could ever imagine. From the wonderful Chinese classes that I took, to living among the citizens and fending for myself on the “backstreet,” to becoming best friends with my Chinese roommate, my experiences are unforgettable. My roommate was by far my favorite experience. She was a wonderful friend and taught me useful Chinese that I would not have been able to otherwise learn.

The classes that I took helped me learn a lot about Chinese business and fueled my interest in going back to live there once I graduate. I worked on a Capstone project for my Economics class that answered many of my questions about foreigners living and working in China. Our group visits to companies helped me see how both Chinese and foreign businesses are run in China. The trips that the Alliance planned for us were unforgettable and full of fun as well as educational experiences.

Shanghai is now one of my favorite cities in the world. The beautiful skyline, the amazing food, and the countless things to do and see have made me truly fulfilled, but also craving more. My decision to study abroad in China continues to prove itself as one of the best in my life. I would repeat that semester for the rest of my education and beyond if I had the chance.

Evan Green-Lowe, Brandeis University

My name is Evan Green-Lowe and I’m an Economics and International Relations major at Brandeis University. In the Spring of 2009 I lived in Shanghai for 5 months and studied at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunities I experienced in China seem endless: I had the chance to travel to Beijing, Chengdu, Huang Shan, and Hong Kong. I was able to work for a non-profit organization that sponsors and supports children whose parents died from AIDS. I studied China’s banking regulations, stock options, and labor markets and conducted first-hand research on the economics of education. I traveled out to rural villages and worked directly with AIDS victims. I planned and hosted a seminar at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics to discuss the rise of philanthropic organizations in China and debate several important health issues that are under-addressed. I made uncountable new friends. I shared new experiences with Chinese roommates, and I met students from all corners of an America that I slowly learned was
far more diverse that I had previously imagined. Each week I traveled to the outskirts of Shanghai and taught English to disadvantaged children who cannot attend the regular public schools.

China is an eye-opening place. You cannot avoid constant realizations that China is filled with lessons that are worthwhile and widely applicable. Language and culture are inextricably intertwined, the people and the land are larger than life, and the academics are refreshingly unique in comparison with education in the United States. China is the future and the Alliance for Global Education offers an incredible opportunity to explore it.

Stephanie Baier Arocha, Brandeis University

 Hi, my name is Stephanie Baier Arocha and I am a senior at Brandeis University. I am double-majoring in Economics and Psychology with minors in Latino and Latin American Studies and Business. This past summer I studied in Shanghai with the Alliance Program. This was an extraordinary experience for me. I grew up in Ecuador and Chile and I am currently studying in the United States yet being able to live in China, particularly the bustling city that is Shanghai, is something I will never forget. The great thing about the Alliance Program is that the SUFE campus is not located near any of the tourist areas. This means that to go about daily activities you actually have to use Mandarin to communicate. For me, this was the greatest challenge yet the most rewarding part of the program as when the program started I had never studied Mandarin. At the beginning it was hard yet the program directors and the Chinese roommates were very helpful. They were always available to solve whatever issue came my way. As classes progressed and my Mandarin improved, I started being able to order food for myself and actually go around Shanghai on my own. I still can't believe that I arrived in June knowing Ni hao yet after two months in China I became able to fend for myself and even bargain for my Chinese roommate! This was an extremely fulfilling experience.

Suzanne Sittko, Davidson College

My name is Suzanne Sittko and I am a Economics major and Chinese minor at Davidson College. I studied aboard spring 2009 in Shanghai, China with Alliance at the Shanghai University
of Finance and Economics. I chose the program so I could improve my language skills while continuing my studies of economics. The economics and business courses I took were very relevant to my major as well as relevant to the business world I will soon be entering when I graduate. By living in a residential part of Shanghai and having a Chinese roommate I had plenty of opportunities to improve my language skills as well as learning about the Chinese culture first hand. After spending four months in China studying in Shanghai and traveling around China with my friends and on the study tour to Hong Kong, Macao, and the Pearl River Delta region I learned not only about China but about myself. In my time abroad I matured and learned how to get along by myself more than I have had before. If I can do that, I feel much more confident about graduating and continuing my travels abroad after graduation.

While many college students struggle over where they want to study abroad I highly recommend China because is different from most places students travel and students will experience things they won't anywhere else. I cannot wait to return to China myself.

Stephen Savitsky, Northeastern University

My name is Stephen Savitsky and I am a Marketing & Finance major at Northeastern University from Washington, DC. I spent the Spring 2009 Semester studying with the Alliance in Shanghai at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE). Studying and living in China was an experience of a lifetime, as I was in a completely new culture and surroundings different from anything I was used to from living at home or in college. As a business student, I enjoyed learned about the bustling economy in China while studying there. I was certainly challenged and tested many times during my experience in Shanghai, but took much pride and joy in learning Mandarin not just in my classroom experience but from everyday interaction with people in my neighborhood. The day I really knew my language skills had taken off was when I was able to write out the address to somewhere for the taxi driver all in characters.

Trying all different kinds of Chinese food (that was much better than anything I ever had in the United States) on a regular basis in my own backyard was a unique experience in itself. Chinese food has not been the same since I have been back in the United States, and I certainly miss the culinary delights of China.

I enjoyed traveling around China, not just in the Alliance Field Study Trips, but during the extensive time allotted for independent travel for students. I have had the opportunity to see many different parts of China as a result of the extended travel experience that is part of the program. Between my travels, having a Chinese roommate, and meeting students from all over the US and world, studying abroad with Alliance in Shanghai was a great experience, that makes me want to return to China many more times in the future!

Kemi Brewster, Saint Michael's College

My name is Kemi Brewster and I’m an Information Systems major and International Business, Global Studies and Management minor at Saint Michael’s College. I spent spring 2009 studying abroad with the Alliance in Shanghai, China’s financial capital.

Life in China was far different from living in Vermont or in my native Caribbean island of Barbados. The Chinese are a fascinating culture. I was particularly impressed with their ability to preserve their history and their architecture. Having to adapt to changes in social behavioral norms was challenging, exciting and mind expanding all at the same time. The challenge of being immersed in a culture whose language uses a completely different character and symbol set, different sounds and tones, was particularly overwhelming since my only prior experience was from text books. I felt particularly privileged to be afforded the opportunity to get a first-hand encounter with an emerging global leader with a rapidly changing business environment.

The study abroad opportunity offered by the Alliance Field Study Trips and my own personal exploration gave me an education that can NEVER be attained from texts or in a classroom. I very highly recommend this study abroad program to anyone who has access to it and I now eagerly look forward to returning to China in the summer of 2010.

Pedro Chira, Trinity University

My name is Pedro Chira and I’m from Lima, Peru. I am an International Business and Marketing double major at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, and I studied abroad in Shanghai during the Spring 2009 semester. During my short, but eventful, life I was lived in various places including Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, Florida and Washington DC, however none compare to Shanghai. I had the time of my life in China: from learning about the importance of connections, guanxi, in the classrooms of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, to making lifelong friends at the dorms, to eating different dishes every single day, to the unforgettable study trips to the ever-growing cities of Shaoxing, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Macau, and Hong Kong. I learned, felt, experienced, tasted, and witnessed what real China is all about. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Alliance and this program that made one of my dreams come true. I recommend this program to everyone who wants a new challenge in life, to widen their horizons, and have a new perspective on life. It is a choice you won’t regret.

Lana Hong, University of Arkansas

My name is Lana Hong, and I’m an Economics and Finance double major at the University of Arkansas. I studied abroad with the Alliance during the spring of 2009 in Shanghai, and it was without a doubt the most memorable semester of my college career. Studying abroad with the Alliance was one of the best decisions that I made, and I highly recommend it to anyone with the desire to gain new, global perspectives and explore. I will forever cherish the friendships that I made, the incredible improvement in my Chinese, the teachers, and my internship responsibilities at the Shanghai branch of an international credit company. I gained priceless learning experiences from visiting the Canton Trade Fair in Guangzhou, the Stock Exchange in Hong Kong, and the Special Economic Zone of Zhuhai; all organized by the Alliance. On my own, I had the opportunity to attend lectures given by prominent, world-renowned speakers, learn the fine art of haggling at the Fabric Market, and climb Huangshan, a legendary mountain in Chinese paintings and literature. From cultural immersion to health and safety, I could tell that the Alliance put much time and effort into making all aspects of our stay the best that it could be. I hope to have the chance to return to China soon. P.S. This picture was taken during my spring break in China, which was an adventure in itself.

Yahya Chaudhary, University of Minnesota

My name is Yahya Chaudhary and I am a student at the University of Minnesota. I am majoring in Finance and International Business. This past spring semester I had the privilege of studying abroad at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics through the Alliance for Global Education. I can honestly say that choosing to study abroad was one of the best decisions I was able to make in my undergraduate career. I had originally thought that being born in a foreign country, Pakistan, provided me with a diverse perspective but China took me to a whole a new level. I was blown away by the sheer history and culture of this country of 1.3 billion people. From the many Buddhist temples to the communism poster museum, I was able to tap into an oasis of knowledge. One of my favorite experiences in Shanghai was visiting the urban planning center to see a scaled model of the city. When the center’s lights go out it’s amazing to see what the complete city looks like at night.

One of the greatest concerns that I had before I embarked on my trip was the food choices available to me. I am a Muslim and as such prefer to eat Halal meat, meat that is prepared according to Islamic custom. In Shanghai, I found a lot of mom-and- pop Chinese Muslim restaurants that allowed me to meet this requirement. Plus, there was a host of Indian restaurants as well as a sprinkle of middle-eastern restaurants that helped add some variety.

My most memorable moments from studying abroad through the Alliance came not from the places I visited nor the food I ate but it was the people I met. The opportunity to have a Chinese roommate throughout the semester whom I could go to for advice and help proved to be invaluable. Moreover, the chance to interact with locals and practice Chinese with them was an experience within itself. The best experience was forging relationships with the other 39 students from all across America. I cannot wait for the day to return to China to meet new people and improve my Chinese.

Rachel Nichols, University of Saint Thomas

My name is Rachel Nichols and I am a Business Administration major at the University of Saint Thomas. For the spring 2009 semester of my junior year I decided to study abroad with the Alliance in Shanghai, China. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Living on the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics campus was an experience that I will value for years to come. Living with Chinese roommates created a unique opportunity for a language exchange. While we were able to practice our Chinese, they were also able to practice their English. Shanghai is a city that is easy to love; the people, the food and the sights are all amazing. My one semester abroad in Shanghai opened my eyes to a world that I never imagined I would see. The city is huge and the lights are bright, but it was easy to feel at home. The Alliance does a fantastic job organizing group study trips and weekend field trips that help to even more immerse the students into the Chinese culture. The Chinese are an extremely welcoming people eager to speak with foreigners whenever possible. Through the Alliance I have made lifelong friends and I would recommend this program to anyone interested in learning about a culture that is completely different from our own.

Robert Larimer, Whittier College

My name is Robert Larimer. I go to Whittier College right outside of Los Angeles in California. I am a member of the class of 2011. My major is Business with a possible minor in either economics or a business focus in sports. I was born in England, but moved to the States when I was seven, and since then I have moved around a couple times. I have always loved to travel and so China was a perfect opportunity for me. The experiences I had in China are unforgettable and my time there definitely changed the way that I look at China as well as my approach to business in general. Prior to departing for China I had never taken Chinese, but with the SUFE program I was able to take beginners Chinese while studying in Shanghai. When I got to Shanghai I had mixed emotions, but once the program got under way I had the time of my life. I think the things that I learned in China set me up perfectly for pursuing either Chinese or business in China. Being able to go on different company visits really opened my eyes to the definitely possibility of doing business in China in the future. Shanghai was a great city to live in because I got to witness the Chinese development that I had always been curious about reading back in the States. I would not trade my abroad experience in China for anything, and would love to talk to anyone about the program if they have any questions.

Shanghai, Fudan

Christopher Beels, Bryant University

My name is Christopher Beels, and I studied abroad in Shanghai, China during the fall semester of 2009. I was extremely nervous about studying abroad, but the Alliance program made all the difference, allowing me to relax and enjoy China.

I enjoyed my experience in China so much that I decided to stay in China for an extra month. I met my girlfriend through the Alliance program, and the extra month allowed us to spend more time with each other. Furthermore, I expressed my experiences with my family, and these experiences persuaded them to go to China and visit me for 2 weeks.

My most memorable moment in China through the Alliance program was our trip to Chengdu, a city located in Sichuan province. In Chengdu, we were brought to the world famous Giant Panda Reserve. I gave a donation to be able to take a picture with a giant panda! The entire trip was a success, as we had a tour guide that gave us information about Giant Pandas by explaining their state of existence with regard to protection. Everybody on the trip was able to enjoy a unique experience at a Panda reserve, as well as to be able to walk away from the experience with a great memory and plenty of amazing pictures.

Dorothy Du, Cornell University

Hello! I’m Dorothy Du, a senior Biology and Society major and Law and Society minor at Cornell University. I spent spring 2009 studying abroad in the Contemporary Society and Culture track at Fudan University in Shanghai, China’s most populous city and a rapidly evolving center of art, business, and entertainment. I chose to travel to China because as an American-born-Chinese, I wanted to experience and understand my parent’s native culture. I also wanted to witness for myself the sights and sounds of a flourishing city that embodies the rapid modernization and development China is currently undergoing.

Studying abroad turned out to be a great decision. My semester in Shanghai has hands-down been the best semester of my college career. The street outside my apartment was lined with an abundance of fantastic and economical restaurants. I could choose from all kinds of foods, from traditional street treats and Xinjiang lamb skewers to Japanese cuisine. I also had a great Chinese roommate, who taught me a lot about Chinese culture, helped me practice my Mandarin on a daily basis, and became one of my best friends. In my free time, I explored artists’ nooks, sang karaoke with my new friends, and taught English to under-privileged children. The greatest highlight of the program was definitely the week-long trip to Yunnan, a province in Southern China. I had an amazing time riding a bicycle through rural towns, staying overnight at a Dai minority village, and rafting down the Mekong River. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and gave me a fresh perspective of China and its incredible diversity.

I strongly recommend studying abroad in China. In America, we are constantly bombarded with news about how fast China’s economy is changing and how China is repositioning itself to be a world power in the twenty-first century. China is a fascinating and complex country that demands our attention, and there’s no better time to go there than the present. No matter how much you read in books, the best way to learn about China is still to see it for yourself. My experiences abroad have taught me tolerance, compassion, and most of all, what it means to be American. The friendships and memories I made in China are sure to last a lifetime.

Eric "Harry" Brisson, Denison University

Hello!  My name is Eric “Harry” Brisson, and I am a Political Science and Economics major at Denison University.  I spent the summer of 2009 in Shanghai, China studying the Chinese language, economy, and political structure with the Alliance for Global Education.  China was a country I had read so much about and wanted to see.  With my extensive involvement on my school’s campus, the summer program allowed me an amazing experience without removing myself from the campus activities at my home university.

While abroad I was able to complete my own research project on Chinese internet policy, make countless new Chinese friends, practice Chinese in real-life situations, and experience a totally different culture.  My favorite part of living abroad was speaking with the older population about their experiences that interweave with China’s rich and tumultuous political history.  I feel that through these conversations I developed an understanding of the values and ideologies that compose China’s vastly different political culture, and I do not see another way to develop such a rich understanding of said values and ideologies.  At least not another way as fun.

Abhinav Kaul, George Washington University

My name is Abhinav Kaul and I'm an international affairs major and economics minor at The George Washington University. I spent the Fall of 2009 enrolled in the Contemporary Society and Culture track at Fudan University in Shanghai. I chose to study abroad in Shanghai because I had heard that it was a modern mix of East and West; however, nothing could have prepared me for the fast-paced and exciting lifestyle that I lived in China. Shanghai is growing at an unbelievable rate and with the 2010 World Expo coming up it will only grow faster. 

Charlotte Ashford, Rhodes College

Hi, my name is Charlotte Ashford, and I am a Senior, International Studies Major and Art minor, at Rhodes College. I spent this past spring semester enrolled in the Contemporary Society and Culture track at Fudan University in Shanghai and cannot wait to go back. Although I have been lucky enough to have traveled many times over the years, any travel experience or course textbook could not have prepared me for my experience in China last spring. Shanghai is one of fastest growing, most modernized cities in China, with a unique, and distinctively Shanghainese mix of north Western and Eastern cultures and evidence of both modernized and traditional. The city is packed full of places to see, everything imaginable to buy, and just about anything to eat no matter where you are or what time of day it is. No American city is like it. Having the opportunity to live in such an international, up and coming city as Shanghai for four months was definitely an experience I will never forget.

I landed in Shanghai in February, only having just finished three months of Mandarin study back home. At first I had to rely on the other students even to ask where the bathroom was, but by the middle of my stay I was chatting up the local fruit shop owner on my way to school. I was really pleased with how intensive the language study portion of the program was- I definitely needed it. My class, like everyone’s, only had about 5 students. The daily lessons helped us all build vocabulary, get a good grammar foundation, as well as developing more day-to-day oral mandarin skills with one-on-one practice. This intense classroom study was balanced nicely with both our own personal capstone research in the community as well as small group outings into the community to mingle with the locals. Also living with Chinese roommates gave us an opportunity to get to know Chinese students our age, which would have otherwise been more difficult. Alliance really does a great job in familiarizing each student with both linguistic and important cultural aspects of Chinese culture. Volunteer opportunities, like teaching English at a local migrant school, are there to expose students to even more aspects of the Chinese community if interested. I got a lot out of the experience with the kids and improved my Chinese even more in doing so. The only way to improve your mandarin as quickly and to get these kinds of hands on immersion experiences, you need to come and experience the China you don’t read about in the newspapers. And Alliance, for me, was a great program to achieve those things with. The things I learned and the friends I made will stay with me for the rest of my life. If anybody has any questions about my experience or what you can look forward to, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kyle Mathis, Southwestern University

My name is Kyle Mathis and I am a Senior Political Science Major/Chinese Minor at Southwestern University. I spent Fall of 2008 in the big city of Shanghai as part of the Alliance for Global Education's cultural studies program there. What really made this such a great experience for me was the open ability for all of us to travel throughout China as much as we could. Adding to this the eye-opening trip we took out through the dessert to far north-west China really was amazing. I believe that China is one of the most unique countries in the world and I look forward to spending the rest of my life in studying and traveling through countries like China and learning more about the world.

Mark Sonkin, St. John's University

My name is Mark Sonkin and I’m an Economics major and Political Science minor at St. John’s University. I had the pleasure of studying abroad for my entire junior academic year. During fall 2008 I studied abroad with my home institution in Beibei, China. Then during spring 2009 I studied abroad with the Alliance program in Shanghai. Both programs had their distinct benefits. One of my favorite things about the Alliance program is their strong concentration on language. I never thought that I could make so much progress with my Mandarin in such a short period of time but the Alliance program more than exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be happier! Another one of the great benefits that the Alliance program offers is housing. I never expected to have such a nice living situation while on a study abroad program. Not only did I have my own room but I also had a Chinese roommate who I got to practice my Mandarin with every day.

I am so glad that I was able to spend so much time studying in China and getting to explore the country, its people and its culture. My favorite experiences came during the time between my study abroad programs. When my fall program ended in December I had almost two months to travel through China by myself before my program with the Alliance program in Shanghai began. During these two months I made numerous Chinese friends as well as other foreigners traveling through China. Since I was traveling alone I was able to learn a great deal about myself and I got to accomplish things that I never thought I could do. I would not give up my experiences in China for anything! I hope to return someday soon and I recommend anyone to visit this wonderful country if they have the chance.

Ray Wang, Trinity University

My name is Ray Wang, a Communication and Chinese Major at Trinity University. I spent the summer of 2009 in Shanghai, China. I went to China with some experience with the language and the culture, but still found the experience rewarding and challenging. Interviewing locals about their jobs was one of the assignments I did for class, and while the task was daunting at first, it really helped build my confidence speaking Chinese. While classes were intense, the program still provided plenty of free time outside the classroom. From climbing the Great Wall to singing karaoke for 6 straight hours in KTV, there were plenty of fun and enjoyable experiences while studying abroad. Living with Chinese roommates was one of the other great experiences of the program. We would sometimes talk well into the night about political issues, cultural differences, and even slang. I learned about many different viewpoints I had never previously considered. Even though I was only in China for relatively short period of time, my experience with the Alliance not only improved my Chinese, but really nurtured a growing interest in Chinese culture.

China is a very huge country with a long, complex history. There is really no other place quite like it. While the country is huge, the Alliance program is a great opportunity to greatly improve your Chinese language skills while also providing freedom to travel and explore the many unique areas of China. The Beijing trip was definitely the highlight of my study abroad experience and one of the best experiences of my life. Studying Abroad with the Alliance gave me a brief glimpse of China and I definitely hope to return someday.

Ching Jui Young, University of California, San Diego

Ni hao! My name is Ching Jui Young (Ching, for short), and I grew up in La Canada, California, a small suburb to the north of Los Angeles. I currently attend University of California, San Diego, where I am double majoring in Communication and Management Science. I have a strong cultural affiliation with the Taiwanese culture, although I never knew it until I studied abroad in Taiwan and Shanghai in the summer and fall of 2009. Although Chinese is my first language, I prefer to speak English as that is the only language that is spoken my home since I was 5. I wanted to study abroad in Taiwan and China to brush up on my Chinese and learn about my heritage as a second-generation Chinese immigrant.

Studying abroad with Alliance was an amazing experience. I met students from all over the U.S. with a broad range of backgrounds and interests, yet we all held a passion for learning about Chinese culture. While in Shanghai I took both the intensive Chinese language track and the Chinese culture and economics classes. Not only did I learn about Chinese culture, but I was able to travel to other countries as well, including Thailand and Korea. It was an amazing opportunity to help me gain perspective on my future plans and goals in life.

Beijing, BLCU

Jasmine Mitchell, Alabama A&M University

My name is Jasmine Mitchell and I am from Memphis, Tennessee. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to go to Beijing, China because I was interested in learning the language and I wanted to see what China had to offer when it came to the technology world. I started to give up hope on the study abroad idea because one of the requirements for the program I wanted to go through was a minimum 3.0 GPA. I expressed my concerns with my study abroad advisor and she assured me that if I were to get good grades my junior year and attend summer school that I was guaranteed to be accepted into the program. I chose to attend summer school and work towards going to Beijing, China for the Fall 2009 semester. I felt like it would be a great opportunity for me and that I would learn a lot. This was a big risk because I did not know if was going to be accepted into the program and I realized that by my school offering certain classes that I need to graduate only in the Fall semester that I would not graduate May 2010 as planned. If I were to be accepted to study abroad in Beijing, China my graduation date would be pushed back to December 2010. I continued to go through with the application process with hopes that everything would go as planned. I was ecstatic when I received the e-mail stating that I was accepted into the program.

Once I arrived in China I was in a state of shock. Everything was so different. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I soon became adapted to the language barrier and the stares from the Chinese people because they have never seen anyone like me before. I was anxious to learn the language and anxious to see what this experience has to bring me. During my study abroad stay in China I have seen and experienced many different things. In Beijing I have visited Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and most exciting of all I climbed The Great Wall! All of those were wonderful experiences. I also traveled within China to Sichuan and Xi’an. These cities have so much history behind them and it was exciting learning about them and most of all experiencing them first hand. I have learned a good amount of the Chinese language and have made great progress because I did not know how to say “Hello” in Chinese when I first arrived. I also volunteer teaching Chinese senior citizens English once a week. Once I leave China I am going to continue my study of the Chinese language. Once I feel like I have mastered Chinese I plan on teaching myself Spanish. After I graduate December 2010, I want to get my masters in Computer Science. As of now I have a number of companies that I would like to work for. All I can do now is wait to see what kind of offers I receive.

Adrian Chan, Arcadia University

My name is Adrian Chan and I am studying Chemistry/Chemical Engineering at Arcadia University. During the summer semester of 2009, I attended Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) through the Alliance. Although I have been to China prior to studying abroad there, it was through studying abroad there that I have had my most memorable experiences in China. What stands out the most from my experiences is the improvement I have made in understanding the Chinese language as well as my appreciation for China. I remember the first time we went out to a restaurant and all the difficulties we had ordering and asking for the bill. And by the end of the semester, eating out was like second nature.

Studying abroad with the Alliance, I felt that I have had a fulfilling and life-changing experience that I would have never had anywhere else. From the exciting field trips around Beijing, to extraordinary resident director and the fun and entertaining teachers, to the interesting students that you meet from colleges and universities around the United States, every aspect of studying with the Alliance has changed my perception of who I am and what it means to be a Chinese-American. I definitely recommend studying abroad in China. The nation is a rapidly developing and its role internationally will continue to rise, thus an understanding of China, especially through the Alliance, can only be beneficial.

Wilkie Chan, Bryant University

My name is Wilkie Chan and I am an Information Technology major and a Business Administration and Communications minor at Bryant University, in Rhode Island.  I speak Cantonese but cannot read and write Cantonese.  I spent summer 2009 abroad in China.  I first studied abroad with Alliance in Beijing then I flew to Hong Kong to visit family.  In China I was challenged most of the time but it was a great experience.  During my trip to Beijing I met many new friends, learned a new language, and learned about Chinese culture. 

I am Chinese but I do not speak a word of Mandarin but I am able to understand a little because of my Cantonese.  Most of the time when people talk to me they expect me to understand and when I say that I don’t speak Chinese they look surprised.  When I first went to the mall alone one salesperson told her friend that it was funny that I cannot speak Chinese.  They laughed and both came back talking slower to try to get me to understand.  Through that experience my perspective on China changed.  I thought they were unwilling to help but instead of doing nothing she slowed down and talked slower in order to help me understand.  In Beijing I enjoyed every moment I was there because I not only learned about China I also learned about myself.  I feel more Chinese now that I have been to China. 

Studying abroad in China with Alliance was amazing and I think it is a good place to study abroad.  Alliance gave me the opportunity to go abroad, study Chinese, and even visit many different places.  Through the Alliance Field Study Trip and independent time I was able to go around exploring different places.  I definitely will return to China in the future.

Colin McCrory, Colgate University

I'm Colin McCrory, a junior at Colgate University. I am a Chinese and Environmental Studies major and spent the Fall 2009 semester studying at BLCU in Beijing. I live in a small rural town in North Carolina, go to school in New York, and lived in Beijing for five months.

In the first two months of Chinese class at BLCU, I learned more than I had in two years of study back in the U.S. Alliance's Beijing program gave me many incredible opportunities to study things that truly interest me, such as China's environment and colloquial Chinese. The program also gave me a spectacular introduction to China's rich culture and provided an extremely helpful foundation for exploring the rest of the country. Alliance Beijing offered a great balance between challenging academics and wonderful field trips and social activities so that I had a very fulfilling and fun semester. I had an incredible time in Beijing and countless adventures off the beaten path. I can't wait to go back!

Sarah Chapin, Duke University

My name is Sarah Chapin and I am a junior at Duke University. I am majoring in Public Policy Studies, with a concentration in Global Health and Health Policy. In Fall 2009, I studied with Alliance at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) in Beijing, China.

Studying in China was hands-down the most unforgettable experience of my life. Aside from being able to study Chinese in a different and more stimulating environment, this is also an opportunity to expose yourself and actually become a part of such a unique culture. This is a once in a lifetime chance to see things, eat things, and meet people who will change your life. And while I could rave about every aspect of this program, the capstone project (an independent research project) was especially rewarding as I was able to explore health policy in the context of China. Because of Alliance and my study abroad experience, I plan to continue studying Chinese and know I will be back on the Great Wall in no time.

Caitrian Boucher, Kenyon College

Hello, my name is Caitrian Boucher. I am currently a junior at Kenyon College. I studied in Beijing, China with the Alliance program at Beijing Language and Culture University during the fall semester of 2009, from late August to early December. Participating in the Alliance program was the perfect choice for me because the Chinese teachers in the program pushed me to my full potential to learn the Chinese language. The program includes mentoring by a Chinese student who served as my language partner. The focus of much of my time throughout the semester was learning more Chinese, which led to a rapid improvement in my understanding and speaking the language; however, I also found plenty of time to explore the city of Beijing with my fellow Alliance friends. We also spent a lot of time traveling to different parts of China and learning about the Chinese culture. The director of the Alliance in Beijing program, Director Han Bing, was very involved in all of our lives while in China. He put in a lot of time organizing fun and educational trips to Xi’an, Sichuan Province, the Great Wall, and so on. He was also very accessible to the students.

My most unforgettable memories from the semester were hiking the Great Wall and taking a bike tour with the other students in the program around the Beijing Olympic area. Our hike on the Great Wall started out on an early, November morning. We first visited with an old friend of Director Bing’s and enjoyed a great, authentic Chinese lunch with them, and then headed out to the wall. We hiked a part of the wall that was more difficult than some other areas, but everyone in the group was able to keep up with Han Bing. We got to pass through the oldest part of the wall that was built during the Ming Dynasty, and we were able to climb a part of the wall that was completely free from any other tourists.

I spent a lot of time trying to decide which program I wanted to study abroad with, and I am so glad I eventually chose the Alliance Program for Global Education. I learned so much in my Chinese language classes, as well as in my Sociology and Film classes. My two main goals for studying abroad were to get comfortable with the language, and to gain in my understanding of the Chinese culture; I accomplished both of these goals through personal motivation and with the help of teachers, other students and the Alliance staff. Besides accomplishing my personal goals, I made many friends I plan to stay in touch with, and I also met many influential people for networking should I ever decide to work in China. I highly recommend studying with the Alliance program if you are looking for solid academics as well as a well-rounded, unforgettable experience.

Beverly Patuwo, Rice University

My name is Beverly Patuwo and I am a Sociology major, Global Health Technologies minor, and pre-med student at Rice University. I studied abroad in Beijing, China with Alliance for the summer term in 2009…and it was a life-changing adventure! I initially came to Beijing with the sole purpose of improving my Chinese language skills, but I came back with not only greater language proficiency, but also a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. Studying abroad with Alliance gave me incredible opportunities that were not accessible to many other students, including a medical internship with three different hospitals and a capstone research project that pushed me to delve into the lives of handicapped children in China. I was able to seek out a wide range of opportunities and build relationships with locals that gave me a real taste of Chinese life. In addition, we also took an unbelievable trip to the Gansu province, a unique region in this astonishing country, where we were able to raft on the Yellow River on sheep carcasses, meet and speak with a “Living Buddha” at a coveted monastery, and drink yak butter tea with a Tibetan family. In just two months, we accomplished and experienced a tremendous amount.

China is quickly becoming the center of the world’s economic, political, and spiritual spheres. It is a dynamic country with layers upon layers of history, tradition, and culture. To be in the midst of this growth and shift is a once in a lifetime experience that will truly expand your global perspective and maybe even change your future goals. I can’t wait to return!

Multi-Term, Multi-City Students

Andrew Foerster, Denison University

My name is Andrew Foerster and I am an Economics and East Asian Studies double major at Denison University. I've had the opportunity to study in China for 13 months during my junior year, of which I studied with Alliance in Shanghai my first summer at Fudan University, and in the spring with the SUFE International Business program, also in Shanghai. I spent my fall semester at Nanjing University. It seems I should go on to give you the standard speil on how wonderful/fulfilling/challenging studying abroad is but I would be more helpful viewed and used as a resource for practical things concerning daily living, traveling, and interacting with Chinese people--on anything ranging from Chinese relationships to train station dynamics to Chinese business practices and the economy. Just some example tips: 1) the best way to learn Chinese is to have a Chinese girlfriend or boyfriend; 2) once you can read enough characters, use Qunar.com not Ctrip.com to book flights--it's cheaper; 3) "da feiji" does not mean "hitting airplane". Feel free to inquire about any little quib or quirp you might be wondering about.

But those things aside, China for me personally has really broadened my horizons intellectually and globally, as well as given me a certain confidence with things I used to be reluctant to approach. I interned for the German Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai this summer researching China's green markets, and I'm am now immensely interested in alternative energy solutions in China, and know a whole lot about it now, especially as China will be where half of the world's construction is taking place in 2010.

Chinese is quite a challenging language, and China is a challenging place, but if you are willing to really take advantage of the rigorous academic and cultural environment Alliance provides, you can emerge with language skills and life skills you never knew you were capable of. Besides the language environment studying abroad allows for, my experience in China really made me appreciate the value of travel. In my 13 months here I've taken trips all around China. From hiking through snowcapped mountains to bungy jumping in Macau--traveling China not only offers unforgettable experiences, but is also one of the best ways to improve your Chinese. And I was extremely impressed with Alliance's arranged trips.

Eric Kiang, Rochester Institute of Technology

My name is Eric Kiang. I'm an Information Technology major, and a Business and Chinese Language minor at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I am an American Born Chinese, but I unfortunately never had a good chance to learn Mandarin when I was younger. However as I grew up I really wanted to learn the language. My real chance was in college where I took three trimesters worth my sophomore year but then promptly forgot it since I couldn't take it my junior year and never had the chance to use it outside the classroom. I then decided to study abroad in China to learn more of the language and culture, and I'm very glad I did.

I just got back from my journey to China two months ago. It started last year in the summer of 2008. I had an internship with Lenovo in Beijing, China before studying abroad. Then fall of 2008 I studied abroad with Alliance in Beijing for a semester. Half way through the semester I decided I wanted to continue to study in China for another semester, as I had originally intended to only study for a semester. I then continued studying abroad with Alliance in the spring of 2009, but with Alliance in Shanghai this time. Studying abroad in China with Alliance is one experience I will never forget.

China is just an amazing and fascinating country. The country is just filled with culture and history. Culture and history that has dated back over 5,000 years! Anywhere you go is bound to have some history. China also has 55 ethnic minorities each with their own unique culture and language. Not to mention the food there is amazing. There is so much variety, much better than the Americanized Chinese food we have here, it doesn't even begin to compare. The culture is quite different from our own and very interesting to experience. It will definitely broaden your horizons. If you're here your Chinese skill level will soar. You will learn much faster here since it's everywhere. I enjoyed every minute of my time here. I have had many unforgettable memories here some of which are going to a tiger park in Harbin, making Chinese friends, and traveling to many beautiful locations all the while learning and watching my Chinese improve.

I definitely enjoyed my time studying abroad it was augmented by the Alliance program. When you first arrive they helped us settle in, deal with the cultural barriers and familiar ourselves with the area. They set us up with Chinese language partners in Beijing and Chinese roommates in Shanghai, how cool is that. The teachers are also very kind and nice. China is vast and there is much to see and do. Alliance Field Study Trips, local trips, and independent travel time allowed me to explore and learn about China inside and outside its big cities. I honestly wanted to stay in China longer, but I had to come back and graduate. I undoubtedly will return, and hopefully soon. I have been to many places, but there are even more places I haven't been.

I highly recommend studying abroad, it's a once in a life time experience, and what better place to go than China. Go somewhere that is different from your own, out of your comfort zone, and experience something that will change your view of the world forever.

Devin Nelson, University of Arkansas Fayetteville

My name is Devin Nelson, and I hope to graduate from the University of Arkansas in 2012 with majors in International Relations and Asian Studies and a minor in Chinese. Naturally, to gain an international perspective and improve my Chinese, I chose to study abroad in China. But I had no idea that I would gain so much more than that during my six months in Beijing and Xi'an with the Alliance for Global Education. I spent the summer of 2009 in Beijing, and lived in the international student dorms. Since half of the students at the Beijing Language and Culture University are international, I was able to interact with a large variety of students both within and outside the program, as well as with local business owners, workers, and taxi drivers in the renowned Wudaokou university district of Beijing. The quality of my instructors of Chinese was superb, as they were not only engaged during class, but also involved in the many activities that took place after class, such as cooking class and the weekly Chinese table. Just being in modern Beijing, though, is quite an experience in itself. The city is ever-changing, and I was surprised to notice drastic changes within even the few short months I was there. To read the news online, from both Chinese and western perspectives, and also be in the city where it was all happening, was a phenomenal experience.

My fall semester, I transferred to the Xi'an International Studies University, where I took a more classic approach to China. While I was there, I delved into Chinese history, the Silk Road, and Chinese art, while also continually improving my Chinese in and outside the classroom. I don't think I can single out one experience that was most significant to me during my time in China, but I know for sure that the entire experience as a whole was thoroughly life-changing. During the field-study trips and independent travel, I visited over ten cities and six provinces of China. When I speak to Chinese students at my home university, they are often astounded and joke that I have seen even more of China than they have. I truly believe that my time in China gave me the international perspective that I was looking for, but also radically influenced my view of China and its place in the world today. I look forward to returning in the future and exploring more of this fascinating country, deepening my understanding of the Chinese people and their culture, and of course further improving my Chinese.

Amber Davis, University of Kentucky

My name is Amber Davis, and I am a student at the University of Kentucky currently majoring in International Commerce with a Focus in East Asia. For the 2008-2009 academic year, I spent a year studying in Shanghai, China with the Alliance for Global Education. While there, I spent time at both their International Business in China program at SUFE (Fall 2008) and their Contemporary Chinese Society and Language (Spring 2009) at Fudan University. Doing both programs really allowed me to get an in depth understanding of culture in China and Shanghai through relationships with our Chinese roommates, knowledgeable professors, and hands-on field trips. Each program had something different to offer and new lessons to learn.

My favorite part of studying with Alliance and in China is all the opportunities to meet Chinese natives and people from the US who share similar interests as you. I met lifelong friends that I will be able to keep in touch with while in the US and will have lifelong friends in China if I ever decide to go back. Alliance also took us on really cool field trips to places that I never would have been able to see on my own, such as the Dai village in Yunnan Province.

Studying in China will not be a disappointment, especially if you study with Alliance. Alliance will give you the resources you need to explore China’s culture, language, and terrain. Decide to study abroad and widen your perception of the world!

Kaitlin Settle, University of Pittsburgh

My name is Kaitlin Settle, and I am a French and Chinese double major, and Linguistics minor at the University of Pittsburgh. In the summer and fall of 2009, I had the opportunity to study with the Alliance in Shanghai at Fudan and then in Beijing at BLCU. Being a language major, I knew the importance of study abroad for language acquisition. The six and a half months that I spent with the Alliance fulfilled all my expectations of experiencing Chinese culture, making life-long friends, eating strange foods, and, of course, improving my Chinese.

Doing both programs allowed me to experience the westernized, economic center of Shanghai, and the traditional culture and historical center of Beijing. Whichever city I was in, the Alliance staff ensured that all students made the most of their journey. Between conversing with my Chinese roommate and language partner, interning with a Chinese company, group and independent travel, and the countless class assignments of interviewing locals, I gained a confidence in my speaking that I could not have acquired back in Pittsburgh.

As I look forward to graduation, I know that my time in China has prepared me with the language skills and cultural understanding needed to enter an international job market. It has opened my eyes to a culture so different from our own, and I cannot wait to return to it!