A year studying in Beijing has been incredible.
Getting off the plane and walking into the late August heat feels like a lifetime ago – so much has happened since then.
This last year, I have had the privilege to study at Peking University (PKU), supported by John Speak Language Trust. I went out to China to improve my language skills and came back with so much more: memories, friendships, and a lot more luggage – I blame Taobao (internet shopping)!
I like to think that it was the jet lag was to blame. When I first arrived in China, I had to think hard about how to string a sentence together correctly. My vocabulary that existed outside the standard textbook was non-existent. Even simple tasks, such as ordering local dishes, were a challenge.
By the end of the year, although I cannot claim to be fluent, the Chinese language is not that merciful–I have come away with a much better feel for it. I have Chinese friends and rarely must use English with them. We also have many inside jokes when I have mispronounced a tone!
Beijing was a great city and a great place to start when living in China. Even in my last week, I was discovering new places. It was through exploring the city that I could practice what I had learnt in the classroom. The best conversations took place with a bowl of noodles or bao buns (steamed buns) at hand. You could tell that people were quite surprised when I started speaking Chinese, and that they appreciated speaking in their mother tongue, regardless of their English ability.
I have had so many opportunities, and it is thanks to the Trust that my experience has been so enriching. With the Trust’s support, I was able to travel extensively across China.
From an ice-festival in the north-east that was as cold as minus 25 degrees to a desert in central China, you do not need to travel far to experience China’s diversity. Highlights include attending a wedding and travelling to Yan’an to celebrate New Year’s with a Chinese family.
Now that I have returned home to the UK, I await the start of my final year at university. Some good advice that I have received recently is to bring back the year abroad with me. Since being home, I have cooked my favourite Chinese dishes, kept in touch with my Chinese friends and shared my experiences with friends back home.
Of all the countries to travel to, China is one that people sometimes hesitate to visit. But as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, communication remains vital. To be able to improve my language skills and experience life in Beijing has made me immensely grateful. I look forward to exercising my language skills and the future opportunities they will open up to me.
I can say it again. My time in China has been brilliant. I have a deeper understanding of China, a greater feel for the language and -through using it- new friendships. To anyone considering applying to the John Speak Language Trust, I very much recommend it. It is an incredible opportunity. It is a chance to learn more about yourself as well as another culture.