Postcard From Abroad
Dear Global Education Office,
I just got back from the first year of Duke's Global Semester Abroad: India + China, and it was in a word: incredible. In India, I took part in an Indian village wedding, learned how to milk a cow, caught auto rickshaws around town, witnessed a traditional birth attendant at work, and rode atop an elephant and a camel. In China, I watched twin baby pandas eat bamboo, visited Sichuan earthquake reconstruction zones, trekked the Great Wall, went KTVing with Chinese friends, and ate hand-pulled Shanxi noodles straight from the street.
The semester was a whirlwind journey of personal growth, exploration, and discovery. Spending the first half in rural villages of India and then the second half in the urban city of Beijing, China lent myself to continually reflecting on the similarities and differences of these two places. While taking courses on public health and development taught by both Duke professors and local community leaders, I loved having the opportunity to also delve into personal research projects, immersing myself in not only the vibrant cultures of these two developing nations but also understanding the challenges they face.
It has been an absolutely amazing semester that has been eye opening in so many ways. I am excited to go back to both India and China someday, but until then, I'll see you back at Duke!
--Alice Yen
Credit: Alice Yen
Major: Public Policy
