My Motivation To Get Summer Program In China
“Seeing something once is better than hearing about it a hundred times. Doing something once is better than seeing it a hundred times. ” This adage by Lisa See is what I’ve been a strong believer of and live by. Having the privilege of travelling around the world, I’ve explored many different cultures, customs, art, fashion and architecture. Learning about these places got much better when I visited them despite the number of times that I heard of it. I believe learning Chinese society from the perspective of international university learning is a good challenge. This natural curiosity combined with my passion to study abroad led me to select the summer program at Beijing and Tianjin.
Academically, aspiring to major in Math & Physics with a minor in Education and Society, this program would be a great value add in broadening my horizons of learning as science and society play a pivotal role in political, economic and cultural changes. The understanding of Chinese politics, economy, culture and market-oriented reforms along with its impact on China and the world is particularly interesting. Comprehensive learning covering social change and development in contemporary Chinese society, particularly the roles of societal institutions and individual actions in social change will be a great value-add. To add further, theoretical and methodological issues about state-society relations and how individual actions reshape the society will be a great form of holistic learning. Besides, it will also be a great opportunity for me to hone my interpersonal and team-working skills. In terms of my future life, I may be engaged in teaching in Beijing or Tianjin and other major cities if I have the chance. This summer program will be a stepping stone in my trajectory towards it.
To ensure that I integrate and study well, I have started reading Zang X. ’s (2012) ‘Understanding Chinese Society – Routledge”. Additionally, I am also doing my research on the present situation of contemporary Chinese society. To get well, knowing Mandarin would help me overcome the language barrier while my level 10 skills in Piano and easygoing personality would be a great ‘Ice-breaker’ in making new friends. Having the experience of living in Canada by myself from age 17 and pushing the envelope to learn English and integrate new environment, I understand the environment challenges well and intend to be similarly persistent in my learning abroad. The main financials for the program will be supported by my family, and I am doing part-time job to save money as well.
Being the Capital of China, Beijing is known for being the political, cultural and educational center of China. Tianjin being a right mix of traditional and modern china. They would be amazing cities to explore during my 10 day visit there. I am highly excited and enthusiastic for this summer abroad program to learn, explore and enrich myself with an enlightening experience through UofT.
