Why did you pick this program?
Jacob: Location and affordability were the most motivating factors when deciding what study abroad program to take and ISA's Chengdu program was the best of both. I decided early on I wanted to go somewhere in Eastern Asia because it felt like the part of the world which I had least exposure to.
China was also particularly interesting to me due to its current political position, its vast and significant history, and because of the opportunity to learn Mandarin (most spoken language on the planet!)
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Jacob: Start planning things very far in advance. If you want to make the best of your trip you will need some foresight and determination to make it happen. Don't be afraid to commit to a certain location or program, at some point you are going to have to make up your mind and start getting things done.
What was the hardest part about going abroad?
Jacob: Mandarin. There are almost no similarities between Mandarin and English and learning it is not something which will come easy. Compared to other languages Mandarin can take much longer to pick up and so the language barrier is just that much more intimidating.
Luckily Chinese people are extremely nice and supportive of foreigners trying to learn so just smile and do your best and things will usually work out. (Also check out Pleco or other Chinese dictionary apps for your phone. They will become your most important tool for learning words when you need them!)
What made this experience unique and special?
Jacob: In life one experience tends to lead to another, but I have never felt that more than during my time in China. Studying abroad opens so many doors and helps you understand all the different opportunities that there are in life.
Even simple things which I thought I understood pretty well were redefined to me in some way. I now feel much more confident in my ability to travel, make money, make friends, and have fun
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Jacob: Try a little bit of everything that Chengdu has to offer before you start to form any routines. There were some amazing places and people who I didn't experienced until towards the end of my trip because I had formed a friend group and found things to do in Chengdu that I liked. Force yourself to do as many different things as possible because you never know what might interest you.
Other tips: get a library card, get a tutoring job, get Wechat on your phone, and go to WOW bar 9-10pm.
What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions or future path?
Jacob: This trip made me reevaluate what I want to do with my life. Before traveling I had a limited number of ideas in my head about what I wanted to do with my life, because I felt as though there were only a certain amount of possibilities. The people I met and experiences I had helped me understand my own cultural perspective a lot better, and the mental biases which are built into American culture.