Why did you decide to study abroad with TEAN?
Devon: There are various reasons why I decided to study abroad the TEAN. While my university recognizes their program I also had heard great things about it. My sister is in the field and so I was given some advice about the different options that were available. I am rather glad I chose TEAN because they made it a quick and easy process. They were quick to answer any and all questions, and their knowledgeable staff helped make the crazy process very smooth and relatively easy. They handled everything from the application to the university to helping us get the correct visas for China. They were always on top of things and getting things done as quickly as possible.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Devon: Going abroad for the first time is rather nerve racking. This was my first time outside of the United States and I had a fantastic experience. TEAN placed us in a large westernized apartment which helped me make a slow but steady transition to the Chinese life. TEAN put us with a Chinese roommate which was fantastic. Having a local individual was extremely helpful because I did not go with any knowledge of Chinese so he was able to help us through situations that we would normally not be able to work through on our own.
Describe your program socially and academically.
Devon: All of the individuals who attended the program with me will be lifelong friends. I miss the social aspect because we all were in apartments relatively close to each other which made it easy for studying Chinese or simply getting a bite to eat. We were located near a subway stop so we had access to go all over town and we were conveniently located near the university so we didn’t have a far walk to class.
The classes are challenging to an extent. Not overwhelming but enough to keep you entertained. It is interesting to take classes about history and Chinese policies because you learn more about the country you’re in and it gives you a better understanding of China.
Where was your best photo taken and what was it of?
Devon: Due to the amazing adventure I embarked on I have many photos that are equally as amazing. The ones that tend to stick out Is a photo I took while on our program sponsored trips. These all inclusive trips included going to the great wall and hiking it in the morning which was spectacular. We had a wonderful view of the wall and the mountains and there were not any other tourists there which provided for some unique photos.
Another TEAN sponsored trip was the trip to Inner Mongolia where we stayed in the desert. I have photos of us riding camels through sand dunes and the dunes themselves were spectacular. Finally I have a panorama of the Terracotta Soldiers in Xi'an, China. This was an amazing experience given the fact that each soldier is unique, and there's nothing else quite like it in the world.
Do you think your program changed you as a person?
Devon: I have changed significantly since my study abroad in China. It broadened my understanding of different cultures and it made me more sensitive to world news. I also have a high amount of respect for people in Eastern Asia because they are very hard workers and they wish to live the life most of us here in the United States. I also have begun to think heavily on the cost of things here in the States vs. a similar option in China. I will hopefully return to China in the future and hopefully to peruse my career field. I loved my experience I was fortunate enough to have and it was all possible thanks to TEAN.