China
Summer Semester 2017
Intro
In the summer of 2017, I joined a faculty-led study abroad program in Ningbo, China, through State University and Zhejiang Wanli University. It was my first time traveling internationally on my own, and I had no idea what to expect.
The program focused on global supply chain management, blending academic coursework with real-life exposure to everyday life, cultural traditions, and values in one of the most dynamic societies in the world. It deepened my understanding of global networks, but more than that, it awakened something in me. I came back more confident, more open-minded, and more eager than ever to explore the world, connect with people from different backgrounds, and experience cultures firsthand.
What I didn’t realize until just before departure was that I would be the only student from my university going to China. It turned out to be just me and my professor. Embarrassingly, I had assumed he could speak Mandarin because he is Asian and was leading the program. Only when we landed in the Shanghai airport did I find out he could not ask for directions. He is Korean and does not speak Mandarin at all. Somehow, we made our connecting flight to Ningbo, where we were greeted by Dr. Li, my professor’s counterpart. Dr. Li would go on to become an incredible host and friend throughout the trip.
Settling In On Campus
I stayed in the international student dorms and quickly became friends with my South Korean roommate and Indonesian neighbors. My roommate had learned English from watching American TV shows, which I found both impressive and funny. On the first day, I met several members of the global exchange faculty on campus. We had lunch together and I remember thinking how odd the chicken was when they asked me how I liked my fish and said the “Oh, the fish is excellent!” Later that day, I ran into my neighbors again, and they offered to show me around campus. They introduced me to a long list of food spots. When I say many, I mean nearly every place you could spend money was a food place. Out of maybe 40 shops on campus, at least 25 were restaurants or snack stands.
That evening, I went out to dinner with my professor and Dr. Li, who had been raving about something called “Dongbei.” I eventually learned that Dongbei is simply northeastern Chinese food. The word literally means “East-North.” The restaurant was small, with only about six tables. The doors were wide open, and the whole place had a relaxed feel. Dr. Li offered me a choice of beer or wine. Wanting to try something new, I chose the wine, which made him smile. I assumed it would be similar to wine back home, something like what we serve in church. What he brought back was baijiu, a traditional Chinese spirit that is 57 percent alcohol. It burned in a way that church wine definitely does not. That night, I learned the word for cheers — “ganbei!”
Classes started the next day, and my schedule left me with a good amount of free time. Class also turned out to be a great way to meet people. I made friends with both Chinese students and international students from places like Sweden, Cameroon, Pakistan, and other parts of the world I might never have connected with otherwise. Before long, I had a strong group of friends and plenty of time for adventure.
Ningbo and Surrounding
At the time, Ningbo had a population of around 8 million, which locals still considered a small city. I explored the area with my roommate and a few neighbors, including a visit to the Ningbo Museum, a striking building that blends modern design with elements of traditional Chinese architecture. We also wandered through Nantang Old Street in Ningbo's Old Town, where narrow alleys, street food vendors, and historic storefronts offered a glimpse into everyday life and culture.
One of the most meaningful experiences was visiting Tiantong Temple with my professor. Set deep in the forested hills, the temple felt peaceful and timeless. During our visit, my professor told me he used to be Buddhist and shared his belief that all of life is a dream. I replied that if this really is a dream, I don't want to wake up.
Later, we traveled to Yuyao to visit a former international student from my university who had returned to China. He reconnected with my professor and invited us to his hometown, which he referred to as "the countryside" despite it being a large, urban area. His family owned a business that manufactured electrical plastics, like smoke detector covers and things like that. As a student, it was fascinating to see a real Chinese factory in operation and witness firsthand how "Made in China" products are actually made in China. That evening, we had dinner with his family and some family friends. It was during that meal that I ate the wildest thing of my life — live shrimp soaked in alcohol.
Hangzhou
Dr. Li put us up in a very nice hotel in Hangzhou and hosted us for a few days while we connected with him and his family. He went out of his way to make us feel welcome, and those days were filled with great conversation, good food, and a deeper look into everyday life in China.
We explored the area together. One day, we hiked around Baoshi Mountain, which overlooks West Lake. I remember seeing an ancient Pagoda sticking out of the wooded hills around the lake, and behind it were miles and miles of urban sprawl. The population density was always impressive, and seeing it contrasted like this seriously put into perspective just how developed the human race can be. The scenery from the mountain top was incredible, we enjoyed a beer while taking it in. After the hike, we took a ferry out to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, a peaceful spot surrounded by calm water and iconic pagodas. It felt like a postcard come to life.
At one point, Dr. Li invited me to come play badminton at his gym. I thought it would be a casual game, but it turned out we both took it very seriously. Eventually Dr. Li left to go prepare for our dinner plans, but I decided to continue playing with strangers at the gym. I played long into the evening until my legs were ready to give out. The plan was for me to walk back to the hotel and meet them for dinner, but somehow I got turned around and actually walked a mile in the wrong direction through dimly lit Hangzhou streets at night. As an American, I was surprised how safe I felt walking around the city alone at night. Eventually I found my way back to the hotel and to my dismay, we then walked to dinner. Some say my legs have yet to recover from this fateful day.
Later in the trip, we visited the Alibaba headquarters and got a tour of the facility. As a student studying global business and supply chains, it was surreal to walk through the campus of one of the most influential tech companies in the world.
Shanghai
I took a bullet train to Shanghai, enjoying the smooth and speedy journey that contrasted with the bustling city life awaiting me. During my visit, I met up with a young man, the son of one of the global exchange faculty I had met earlier. He was a Cornell student who had returned home for the summer, and he generously offered to show me around the city.
We walked along The Bund, where I got my first full view of the Shanghai skyline. The skyscrapers on the other side of the river looked like something out of the future. Gleaming glass towers, spiraling shapes, and dazzling lights. It was almost surreal, hard to believe I was really there standing amid such a futuristic cityscape.
Later that night, I ventured out on my own to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Taking the elevator all the way to the top, I looked out over Shanghai glowing in every direction. The vibrant city lights stretched as far as the eye could see. That breathtaking view of Shanghai illuminated from above was one of those unforgettable moments that stays with you long after you leave.
The next day, we visited the Shanghai Museum. It was filled with incredible exhibits, especially those dedicated to the ancestral peoples of eastern China. I spent hours wandering through the galleries, soaking in the depth and richness of China’s history and culture, a perfect contrast to the ultramodern cityscape I had admired the night before. We spent the rest of the day being pedestrian, walking around, shopping and doing nothing important. I will say, KFC in China is all the rage.
The bullet train awaited to take me back to Ningbo, and when it was time to leave, saying goodbye to my new friend was harder than I expected.
Conclusion
Living in Ningbo, I was welcomed by incredible people such as my roommate from South Korea, neighbors from Indonesia, and generous hosts like Dr. Li who helped me navigate a new culture and environment. Exploring the campus and the city introduced me to vibrant foods, cultural traditions, and daily life that was very different from my own.
Traveling beyond Ningbo, I experienced the peacefulness of ancient temples and the energy of modern cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai. From hiking mountain trails overlooking West Lake to marveling at Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, I found a balance between history and innovation that deepened my appreciation for China’s complexity and beauty.
Before this trip, China was never part of my plan. A flyer, a friendly conversation, and a bit of curiosity led me to take a risk that turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It taught me how much I can learn when I step out of familiar surroundings and into something completely new. The journey was more than just sightseeing or academic learning. It was a challenge. Moments of culture shock, loneliness, and confusion taught me resilience and humility. These struggles made the friendships and discoveries even more rewarding, and I am a better person because of it.
