Studying in China: The importance of cross-cultural experiences

As a youth from the United States studying in China, I feel that studying in China is one of the best ways to truly understand this magnificent and amazing country. I began my journey studying in China back in March 2016, when I came to Beijing Language and Culture University, or BLCU, to pursue my bachelor's degree in Chinese language. Having the chance to study at the "Little United Nations", a nickname our school goes by, I not only had the chance to interact with international students from all over the world, but also had the chance to make friends with local Chinese students.

Through actively taking part and joining student union clubs and activities, I was able to cultivate many lasting friendships with Chinese students. It was through these interactions and friendships that I had the opportunity to better understand what the university life of an average Chinese student was like. I not only had the chance to understand their academic life, but also, because many of my Chinese friends came from different areas around the country, I was able to gain a better understanding of China.

Out of all the interactions I had with my Chinese classmates and friends, my absolute favorites are, without a doubt, the times my close foreign friend and Chinese friends from school would gather in my dorm room to cook and eat. It may sound like nothing special, but these were some of my cherished memories at BLCU.

At times there would be about 8 or 9 of us, and we would plan when to head off to the supermarket, buy the ingredients together, come back to our dorm building, prepare, cook, enjoy the meal and then clean up together. I tried my best to foster the spirit of collectivism amongst us, as I was known to say at the, "if you want to eat, you have to work!"

It was through these many gatherings, whether it was someone's birthday, a special occasion, graduation, Spring festival, or just a simple get-together, that I learned so much about the lives of Chinese youth and their hometowns, thus giving me a greater desire to travel and experience an dynamic China. To then take my experiences in China and share them with my friends and family back in the States is something unique and special to me, as I can provide a unique perspective on China, something vastly different than what many people see on the mainstream western media.

I sincerely hope that more foreigners studying and working in China can take advantage of their time here to experience the culture, the food, the history, and especially the people, and present to the world a more dynamic and true China.

Dylan Austin Walker is a postgraduate student at Beijing Language and Culture University.

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