China

Neesann Puangsuvan
MU in Bejing at Bei Wai Foreign Studies University, Summer 2004

"My name is Neesann Puangsuvan. I'm a senior, pre-med, biology major from Caruthersville, Missouri. Last summer, I studied abroad in Innsbruck Austria. I fell in love with the study abroad experience and was ecstatic when I was awarded a scholarship that would enable me to study abroad during the summer of 2004. I thought of all the exotic places in the world that I could go to: London, S. Africa, or even Australia. There were so many options to choose from! But, I finally decided on China in hopes that I would gain some insight on my cultural heritage. My maternal grandparents emigrated to Thailand from China during the Japanese invasion. I had always identified myself as Thai-American, but I felt a gnawing desire to learn more about my grandparent's culture and heritage.

"Studying abroad in China was one of the most fantastic experiences I have ever had. I studied abroad in Bejing, China at the Bei Wai Foreign Studies University. I took an elementary Chinese course and a sociology class that focused on the urbanization of Beijing. I learned to carry simple conversations by grasping the essential phrases like asking for directions, calling a taxi, ordering food, and of course, shopping! The cost of living in China was dirt cheap. My friends still can't believe that I got my hair washed, cut, and dried for $1.50 or that I got cashmere scarves for $2.00. Bargaining is so much fun in China, and the Silk Market, Pearl and Cashmere Market, and the Dirt Market are the best places to go!

"I studied abroad through IES Abroad, and my summer program had 22 American students from different universities across the U.S. Everyone clicked so well, and we traveled together on the weekends. We went to Inner Mongolia one weekend. In addition to horseback riding on the same grasslands that Genghis Khan used to train his warriors, we also went camel-riding in the Kubuqi Desert. We went to Xi'an another weekend to see the famous terracotta warriors. The program also included a four-day home-stay in Chengde, a smaller city a couple of hours from Beijing. During those four days, we made a morning excursion to the Great Wall. My host-family was so gracious and kind, and I got to see how a typical Chinese family lives. Communicating was difficult, but we were able to get by using an electronic Chinese-English dictionary and drawing pictures. If we still didn't understand each other, we would just laugh and smile.

"Classes were challenging. Mandarin is a tonal language so one word can have four different meanings, depending on which of the tones you use. Everyone was assigned a female university student as a tutor, and we met with them for an hour everyday. The tutors were wonderful. My tutor's name was Pei Pei. I will never forget taking her to her first American restaurant (T.G.I. Friday's). Pei Pei was so excited about using a fork instead of chopsticks! My Urban Studies class included guest lecturers from famous professors in Bejing and interviews with local government officials. We visited schools for migrant worker's children and small villages. My study abroad experience allowed me to see all facets of China, both its traditional side along with its modern side. I really felt like I got to see China in all its authenticity and I learned so much about China's history. I felt like I came back a more culturally whole person now that I have educated myself and embraced my Chinese heritage.

"If you have any questions regarding China or Austria, please feel free to contact me at cnpvgf@mizzou.edu. Study abroad. It will be the best time of your life, and I promise you'll never regret it!"

Steven Richardson
MU in Tianjin at the Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Academic Year 2000-2001

"Hi, my name is Steven Richardson. I am a Pre-Dental student majoring in Biology. Studying in China was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I learned a lot about what was important to me by spending time in a culture completely different from my own. The school in Tianjin is a Language University, so you take classes in Chinese with other foreign students (mostly Korean and Japanese). You will learn basic conversation skills as well as basic reading and writing of Chinese characters. You don't need any Chinese to go there, but a semester at MU would sure make a difference because even the beginning classes are taught in Chinese. If you already speak Chinese, you can take the advanced classes which include Chinese History, Literature, Culture, etc.

"The best part about studying in China is the freedom. You are responsible for yourself, and the amount you gain is absolutely due to the amount you put in. While I was there, I had the opportunity to enter a few Mandarin speaking competitions and also performed a skit at several holiday shows and a television broadcast. I traveled the entire country for minimal amounts of money and met people and saw places that have changed my life. Looking back, I realize that going to school was only one part of my entire study abroad experience. I loved it.

"If you want more information please contact me." Email: slreeb@mizzou.edu or slreeb@hotmail.com.