Shanghai

My STEP signature project was a study abroad program. I did the Shanghai 1750-2050 program during the first summer session. The program was a historical class focusing on the evolution of Shanghai and it’s role in the world via a structured history course with field trips to places throughout the city/country. The program also had a cultural/language class component as well.

My views on China changed drastically throughout the time of my project. I came into the trip with a preconceived notion about what the country was like. Most of my life I’d only been shown images and stories depicting China as a 3rd world, godless country that oppressed it’s people. The China I experienced was so different than everything I’d been told. Firstly, it’s defiantly not a 3rd world country. They have rural areas and villages, but they also have sprawling metropolitan areas. It felt very similar to the U.S. in many ways. Another surprising aspect of China was their huge gardens and “green spaces.” I had not expected to see many parks, but was blown away by the dedication and respect people have towards nature. On the godless notion, I saw more spirituality in the month I was in China than I have in years. I think people often confuse being religious with being spiritual, and just because they aren’t your religion doesn’t mean they believe in nothing. The Buddhist and Confusion temples I saw were stunning, and were filled with people worshipping/paying their respects. This trip helped peel off this idea I had about the rest of the world. There are so many amazing people and places in the world, and this program has really strengthened my desire for scientific collaboration.

There are several different factors that led to my change in thinking. Firstly, I had incredible interactions with some amazing people while over there. My language teacher was so kind and understanding. She went above and beyond to help. Our trip coordinator at the university was also amazing. She did way more than I’ve seen any university staff go for their program. I don’t think a had a single negative interaction with anyone while I was over there. Another major factor was the trips we took. In Shanghai alone, I saw museums, historical sights, art, “festival market places,” scientific laboratories, etc. Shanghai was interesting because it is a part of China, but also very unique and different. At the Bund, we could see the historical presence of the British and the French, but also the amazing modernization of China in the Pudong Financial District. It was very life changing to experience and see how another group of people live. The biggest event that I think catalyzed this change was visiting Jing ‘an Temple. I had no experience with any sort of non Judeo-Christian religions before China. The temple visit was not scheduled; it was something we as a group decided to do in our free time. We originally only planned on being there for 45 minutes, and we spent almost 3 hours there. It was just very humbling and interesting to watch and to learn. I want to know more, see more, and to go visit different parts of the world.

One reason this change is really important to me is my academics. I hadn’t taken any Chinese before college, but I’ve spent my first two years learning how to speak and basic cultural skills. This trip was a big deal for me because it validated all the time and energy I’ve spent practicing and learning. It felt really good to be able to utilize my language skills. That feeling of validation made all the studying worth it. This program also helped to further my academic track. The trip counted as a cultural credit for my Chinese minor, one of the few remaining requirements I have left. The other reason this change is important is my career aspirations. I started Chinese because China is one of the world’s leaders in genetic research. I knew that in my field I’ll be interacting with people from China, maybe even work in a lab with them/there. I think collaboration is so important for the scientific community, and that can only happen once certain barriers are overcome. Language and cultural differences are the first barrier. I can’t expect every person in the world to speak English, so I’m trying my best to learn Chinese. This program felt like a first step towards my career, and I can’t wait to go back!

A view of the River Village Xin Tian Di.

A view of the T.V. sky antenna across from the Bund

Jing’an Temple