Joshua S. Exchange Ambassador

What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:

"Go for it, it is a great experience no matter the location."

JOSHUA S. 

Exchange student at the East China Normal University, China 
Fall semester
Studying International Development

1. What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?

I hiked in the Zhangjiajie mountains (Avatar mountains).

2. What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?

Language and general culture norms.

3. Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your exchange?

The Zhangjiajie mountains (Avatar mountains).

4. What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?

To not be so nervous because every other exchange student is in the same situation, and you'll make friends easily.

5. What was your best learning moment?

Seeing the different perspectives on academic topics.

6. Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?

My Family. We had regular calls and they came to visit.

7. Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?

One of my friends I met there. We are planning to meet sometime in the summer.

8. If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?

Go for it, it is a great experience no matter the location.

9. Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?

Yes, not for the courses but for use outside of the university, 100%.

10. Did you live on- or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?

I lived off-campus. It was nice to be even more immersed in the culture.

11. How did you finance your study abroad experience?

Personal savings, family help, and OSAP.

12. What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?

A Chinese course, it's always fun/helpful to learn a new language.

13. How are you including exchange on your resume? 

I mentioned my new language skills and the fact that I have lived in China/ have long term international experience.

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