Introduction to my study abroad blog!

This is the journal for my study abroad experience in China!  I will be leaving on May 27 and returning on July 1.  While I am in China, I’m going to add a new entry as much as I can… I’m aiming for every day or every other day.

There are multiple reason why I chose the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS)  summer abroad in China program:

As an International Studies student, KIIS summer study abroad will place me inside a country that is gaining in global dominance, both politically and economically, and will allow me to explore this growth from inside.  This experience will give me a broader perspective and insider knowledge that will help me succeed in my field.

China’s economic influence is a steering force in globalization and is the perfect location to take international economics courses, as learning its perspective will help me see globalization in a more international light.  As I have spent my whole life in the Western world, I have but one perspective; this program will change that.

I have been mesmerized by Chinese culture my whole life.  My encounters with it have filled me with wonder and a desire to know more.  I’ve always wanted to explore China’s historical sites and robust modern cities.  It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to experience the modern, old, ancient, and natural China in one trip.  This is the once in a lifetime door that I have been waiting for.

I have started to make a list of random personal goals to accomplish while in China.  Here are three of them :

• Eat a scorpion on a stick.  Where else in the world will I get this opportunity?  From what I heard, scorpions taste like French Fries 🙂

• Swim in the Water Cube.  As a passionate swimmer who used to compete and a BIG fan of Michael Phelps, swimming in a lane that he won an Olympic gold medal in is on my bucket list.  I especially want to swim in that pool because I doubt the world records set in the 2008 Olympics will ever be beaten.  I say that because the cutting edge swimsuits that were used in the 2008 Olympics are now banned from competition because they give the swimmer an unfair advantage by expelling water from him/her.
• Run a lap around the Bird’s Nest and have my picture taken while posing as Usain Bolt.  He was the star of the stadium!

If you have any neat ideas, PLEASE tell me!

My trip summary:

1) First two days touring Shanghai

2) Two weeks of classes in Changsha

3) Two days to explore Xiangxi – Zhangjiajie National Park.

4) Back to Changsha for almost two weeks of classes

5) Travel to Xi’an – Visit Terra Cotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, and other artifacts.

6) Then we take a train to spend our final two days in Beijing!  We’ll be visiting the Great Wall, The Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square

7) Depart Beijing on July 1! I’ll be home just in time for the Fourth of July

I can’t wait for this trip!  24 days until departure!

– Mike

https://kiischina.wordpress.com