My Program

So, in the timeline of my trip, this post is a little late. But nonetheless, it is now being written (and read). In case you were unaware of the purpose of this trip to China, it is not entirely a trip based around vacationing and sightseeing. The main purpose of my four month long stay in China is to study abroad here.
The program I am on is called China Studies Institute. Through this program I have two choices in program types: immersion and non-immersion. Take a wild guess at which program I chose?
Yes, I chose the immersion program (although I am thinking more and more about taking another semester here as a non-immersion).
So, here is the quick and easy breakdown of what being an immersion student in this program means. I am intensively studying the Mandarin language, which includes 25 hours of Chinese class every week. Oh, and did I mention I can't speak English Monday through Friday? Yeah there is that. It has only been a measly week, but I can tell my language abilities are many times better than when I started.
But, being an immersion student does not just mean studying the language intensively 24/7. It does not just mean sitting with a book open studying. That could be done in the states. No, being an immersion student means immersing myself in the culture as well. That is why I live in an apartment, which gives me the ability to mingle with more native speakers.
I have also made many friends here in China, who I hope to keep in contact with over the years. I've learned how to cook Chinese dishes (get ready to taste them none stop if you are around me when I get back). I have tried all the dishes and foods I can get my hands on (including the scorpion I mentioned before). I am learning the Beijing accent so as to fit in.
I have also become a known regular at my favorite breakfast spot. The guard at my building at school knows me and we frequently talk about our days before my class. All of this could not be done in the states. And that is why I decided to study abroad.
I mentioned that the program name is China Studies Institute. You might be wondering how I decided on this program. I could give a completely academic reason, but that would be lying. The real reason I chose this program was that you take a two week long "study" trip at the end. And by "study" I mean glorified two week vacationing around China. Hey, it came at no extra cost and who am I to decline extra traveling?
Since, I love pictures I'll include one of my breakfast. Be prepared to drool.
Until the next stable connection!