Duke University Office of Study Abroad

Dear Office of Study Abroad:

I participated in DSIC this summer in Beijing. I first thought the only thing I can learn in this program was Chinese. But towards the end of this program, Chinese was only a method to understand Chinese culture. Although the course load was heavy, I had enough time to not only tour the city but also experience the real Chinese life.

The strength of this program is the “language partner”. I had to meet a Chinese University student everyday for at least one hour. My language partner broadened my understanding of Chinese culture, and also taught me how it’s like to live in China. She even invited me to her house, an experience that I can never forget.

Two months of China opened my eyes to an unfamiliar culture, and an exotic society. I learned that there are many different people with different mind sets and that Chinese society, in particular, is worth studying. I am planning to go back to China, this time not to study Chinese but to really focus on blending in to the Chinese society.

-Jinhan Ahn