If you could do-over one thing, what would it be?
Zoey: If I could do one thing over about my time abroad, I would have chosen to stay another semester. It would have given me even more time to learn the language and customs, as well as travel around Asia more. It didn't take me too long to feel comfortable in my city, but I can only imagine what more I could have done with just a bit more time. Maybe play a few rounds of table tennis with a monk!
Describe your most meaningful souvenir and why you love it?
Zoey: Anytime I go anywhere I like to collect maps. From subway maps of NYC, to giant land-mass maps of shipping routes. The maps I brought back with me of my university campus in Chengdu and the city map itself are probably my most cherished souvenirs because they remind me of the times I spent exploring and living that life.
Where was your best photo taken and what was it of?
Zoey: I think my favorite photo is the one of me on the Great Wall, because it was such an intense struggle to climb the mountain and the endless steps to get up to the wall itself, but once I made it I knew I would never forget how beautiful it was. Basically, the picture reminds me of how strong, both mentally and physically, that I can be if I put in the extra effort. Beyond that, the Great Wall is just AWESOME. The history, the sights, and the stories involved in it are breathtaking, plus it's so big it can be seen from space!
Did you run into a language barrier? Did you ever think you knew more/less of the language?
Zoey: I really hadn't studied Chinese at all before leaving America. Of course as soon as I landed in the Beijing airport, I regretted that decision! But I slowly picked it up through university classes and being out and about...and I learned that there are gestures and facial expressions that are totally universal. The city I lived is known for it's 'easy going and laid back' way of life, so I never felt awkward if it took me a few minutes to formulate a sentence or phrase a question.
Do you think your program changed you as a person?
Zoey: My program absolutely changed me as a person. Deciding to study abroad in China with Globalinks was completely out of my comfort zone at the time, but now I am a hundred times more confident, and I have a much better global perspective. I think that last part is especially important considering the world we live in today. My program urged me to take a more active role in the vast world around me, instead of sitting comfortably in my own 'way of life'. Furthermore, it really confirmed for me my interest in East Asian culture and religion. The traditional culture is still very much alive in China's day-to-day life, so I was able to immerse myself in some of the things I had been reading about the past few years.