When I first embarked on my journey to Shantou, I was excited and apprehensive. The idea of living in a foreign country for one month, far away from the familiarity of my own culture, was both thrilling and intimidating. However, as soon as I arrived in Shantou, I was immediately struck by the beauty and vibrancy of the new environment. The language, the food, and all the friendly faces — everything motivated me to immerse myself fully into this experience.
Every day in Shantou, I would engage in conversations with teachers, student-tutors, and local workers, struggling at first to express myself; however, the people in Shantou were incredibly supportive whenever I spoke Mandarin. Through this nurturing environment, not only was learning Mandarin more fun, but I became more confident in my ability to communicate, and this opened doors to deeper connections with the people around me.
One of the most profound experiences I had in Shantou was the lifelong friendships I formed. They say that home is rarely a place, but a person, or many persons, and I have come to realize how true that statement is. Maybe I would have loved Shantou regardless; however, I know for a fact the reason I love Shantou now is because the friends I met along the way made this place my home away from home.
The ICL program did an amazing job of providing a balance between linguistic and cultural exposure. I appreciated the structured approach, with morning classes led by teachers, followed by afternoon sessions led by students. I loved the weekly presentations presented by students from both Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Shantou University because these were not just academic exercises but vibrant cultural exchanges that fostered a deeper understanding of both Chinese and Western life. I also loved that every Wednesday afternoon class was a hands-on culture class. Each session provided valuable insights into traditional practices and their cultural significance, complementing our linguistic studies with practical, immersive learning.
One of the highlights of this program was the weekend field trips to Chaozhou, Xiamen, and Meizhou. Each city offered a unique blend of food, culture, and traditions that fascinated me. These trips not only broadened my understanding of Southern Chinese diversity but also enriched my appreciation for regional nuances in language, cuisine, and customs.
Studying at Shantou University was, without a doubt, the experience of a lifetime. I made friendships I know will last a lifetime simply because we shared one of the best experiences of our lives. I am filled with newfound motivation to continue developing my Mandarin so that when I return to China, I can converse fluently and connect more deeply with the people and culture that have become so dear to me. The memories and blissful feelings that Shantou has given me will remain with me forever. I will always return to Shantou with a smile on my face; after all, it was and will forever be my home away from home.