Study abroad alumni, Rita Evans, talks about the excitement of studying abroad for her first time in Hangzhou, China. Read more about her incredible experience below!
Making The Decision To Study Abroad
During this spring semester I was taught by Professor Bill Craig about some of the culture and religion in Hangzhou China which sparked my interest in wanting to go and learn more. I have never been out of the country and this would be a learning experience for me. Professor Craig was telling the class that if we want to know more, he encourages us to apply for the study abroad trip coming up soon. So I did because I could use the credits and I could learn more about their culture, religion, and food. When I was approved to go to Hangzhou China, I began getting my thoughts together about what I was going to do and say when I came back home to my family. I was so eager to learn more about Chinese culture and religion!
"The people were taking videos and pictures where ever we went it was so amazing. "
Exploring in Hangzhou
On the fourth day of the week our group went to West Lake to tour the area, which happened to be a very beautiful attraction. There are beautiful hills surrounding West Lake, and you can climb Leifeng Pagoda and enjoy an excellent lake view. When we got upstairs in the pagoda, I had a hard time for a minute because of the heat and height, but our tour guide was awesome, and very patient. There was a lady that came out of nowhere and put a fan in my face then I felt better. I might have had a hard time, but it turned out to be a great time. There was a whole family that wanted to take pictures with me, so I did. The people were taking videos and pictures where ever we went it was so amazing.
We also visited the Silk Mansions where there were beautiful and colorfully detailed garments. There were about a thousand silk pieces and pictures on display as you enter. I even saw the very small shoes that were put on the ladies to wear. It was astonishing to me how any young ladies' feet would be able to fit into the incredibly tiny shoes. Afterwards, we toured the silk museum, which described China’s long and wonderful history with flamboyant stories. I can for sure say you if you ever take the trip to China you will enjoy every moment of it. To see everything in west lake it would take more than one day.
In the last week of our stay, we went to Shanghai, China, which was also wonderful. The sponsor took us to the second tallest tower in the world. Over looking the city was awesome. Then we walked around a mall nearby which was humongous and very crowded. It seemed like you could walk forever in the mall. The people were constantly taking pictures of me, go figure. Down-town Shanghai was beautiful and consequently reminded me of downtown Chicago over by the Shedd Aquarium on the lake.
I wanted to be able to tell everyone about the great experience and how incredible the teacher was with the information he shared with us. All I can say is, you have to go and see for yourself, because China is a beautiful country.
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