As the semester is coming to an end, we caught up with Pasheen, a Fall 2023 student from the “Study Abroad” program, who shared her challenges and adventures as a beginner in Chinese language and culture.
“A Leap into the Unknown”
Hi, I’m Pasheen, from a small town within the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, USA, and currently majoring in journalism at Seattle University. When the university required us to learn a second language, I decided to take on one of the world’s most spoken languages – Chinese. Although I’ve learned some Chinese, my knowledge of China is limited, which initially made me hesitant about studying abroad there. However, buoyed by my friends’ encouragement, I decided to embrace the uncertainty and embarked on a journey to Beijing, diving into what would become a spontaneous adventure.
Pasheen attends TBC Orientation Week
“Bonding with Chinese Peer”
TBC is situated within the lively campus of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), offering a vibrant mix of activities and opportunities to connect with local students. Among these, basketball became the bridge of friendship, serving as the universal language on the court where I joined my Chinese friends in playing basketball a few times a week, and our friendships thus blossomed and continue to thrive.
Pasheen (left) with Chinese friends (center)
UIBE’s campus facilities are excellent, featuring four unique canteens and fabulous dormitories. My personal favorite is the bustling third canteen – not just a place to grab a bite, but a social hub where students gather to chat, study, and connect. And I am also fond of the halal canteen; I’m a regular here, indulging in Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) for breakfast and relishing dumplings for lunch and dinner. Besides, compared to the dorms at Seattle University, TBC’s accommodations are a breath of fresh air – cleaner and more spacious.
Campus of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE)
“Immersing in Chinese Literature and Art”
I enrolled in five diverse courses, including “Chinese Language,” “Chinese Modern Literature Translation,” “Chinese Art and Culture,” “China in the World Economy,” and an excursion trip.
Pasheen (left) with TBC teacher Queenie (center)
Among them, my favorite is “Chinese Modern Literature Translation”. Professor Tang Jiannan’s unique teaching style, involving field trips to literary museums, turned our classes into engaging discussions sparked by hands-on experiences.
Pasheen (right) and Teacher Tang visit the Lu Xun Museum
Visiting the Lu Xun Museum and exploring Ling Shuhua’s residence museum deepened my appreciation for Chinese literature, further enriched by frequent visits to the nearby China Modern Literature Museum. This hands-on approach to learning fostered not only a deeper understanding of the subject but also a close bond with Professor Tang.
Pasheen visits Shijia Hutong Museum and Modern Chinese Literature Museum
Another highlight was the “Chinese Art and Culture” course led by Professor Gao Jie. Despite my lack of background in the arts, Professor Gao Jie’s inclusive teaching style enabled me to enjoy and create Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and seal carvings. Our semester’s work culminated in an exhibition along TBC’s “Hutong” corridor, a proud display of our artistic achievements.
Painting and carving works exhibition
“Building Bridges Across Cultures”
TBC’s annual excursion trips, including journeys along the Silk Road and to Yunnan, opened doors to experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of China’s diverse regions. Tongren in Qinghai left an indelible mark on me, especially the warmth of the Tibetan people. Language barriers didn’t hinder us from making friends; we joyfully played basketball and danced together. Our brief encounters evolved into lasting friendships, complete with WeChat exchanges and handwritten blessing cards during our farewells.
Pasheen with Tibetan Friends
Beyond the warm encounters with locals, my travels also forged strong connections with TBC’s teachers. Traveling, as they say, is the best way to bridge distances between people. Sharing stories and life experiences during our journeys deepened our understanding of each other. The support and warmth from the teachers made a foreign land feel like home.
Pasheen with TBC teacher Jeremiah (top right)
To those considering studying at TBC, I highly recommend the unique excursion trips. They promise encounters with remarkable individuals and the chance to enrich your understanding of both Chinese and your own culture through conversations and shared experiences. My semester-long journey across seven provinces, applying my Chinese language skills in real-world contexts, was truly an unparalleled experience.
By Fiona Fu, TBC Media and Communications Intern
The past few weekends have been some of the most exciting of the entire semester, full of trips to the zoo, mountain hikes, ancient parks, and more! Our first trip out of many was a visit to the Beijing Zoo. I had mentioned earlier in the semester that I wanted to see some pandas, since I was in China after all, and our TBC friend Andy made it happen.
Spending a whole semester in Beijing, I knew I had to make the trip down south and check out Shanghai, and the city certainly lived up to the expectations. Everyone describes Shanghai as this super futuristic metropolis, and after spending a weekend there I understand why it has this reputation.