Destination Success: Study Abroad Stories from Beijing
In 2013, the DDCE and UT’s Study Abroad Office launched a Maymester program in Beijing that gives students from diverse backgrounds a world of experience—in academics, the working world and community service. Now a signature program within the Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence, the Beijing Maymester course continues to offer a trip of a lifetime to many Longhorns. We caught up with some alumni to learn more about the program, Social Entrepreneurship in the U.S. and China, and how they benefited from their adventures abroad.
Name: Antonio Adams (B.S., Radio-Television-Film, ’13)
Activities: Student African American Brotherhood, the Black Government Student Association, Black Government Student Association
Bound for Beijing…During the last leg of his senior year, Adams joined the 2013 Beijing Maymester cohort on a month-long exploration of China’s social and entrepreneurial landscape. His first time abroad, he made it his mission to take full advantage of every opportunity that came his way. “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about a culture totally different from my own—and to challenge myself to adapt to a foreign environment.”
A memory to last a lifetime…Looking back at his many experiences, Adams says he will never forget climbing the Great Wall of China. Though he and his friend could’ve joined a guided tour, they hit the snooze button one too many times and had to chart out their own voyage. “We took it upon ourselves to take an alternate route up the mountain. It was pretty tough but when we made it to the top, we knew it was well worth the climb.”
Bound for Beijing…During the last leg of his senior year, Adams joined the 2013 Beijing Maymester cohort on a month-long exploration of China’s social and entrepreneurial landscape. His first time abroad, he made it his mission to take full advantage of every opportunity that came his way. “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about a culture totally different from my own—and to challenge myself to adapt to a foreign environment.”
A memory to last a lifetime…Looking back at his many experiences, Adams says he will never forget climbing the Great Wall of China. Though he and his friend could’ve joined a guided tour, they hit the snooze button one too many times and had to chart out their own voyage. “We took it upon ourselves to take an alternate route up the mountain. It was pretty tough but when we made it to the top, we knew it was well worth the climb.”
A taste of celebrity life… “I never knew people in China viewed people of color as exotic. I must have been stopped ten times a day and taken a total of 100 pictures with strangers wanting a photo or to touch my skin. I knew China would be different but my experiences exceeded my wildest expectations!”
Living and learning…His greatest lessons? The value of patience while adapting to a new environment, a bit of wisdom that serves him well in his career “My experiences taught me to embrace new culture because there is always something new to be learned.”
The adventure continues… “My experiences in China sparked a desire to learn more about the world. Since this trip I have traveled to Germany, France, Italy, Spain and most recently South Africa.”
Life after UT…In keeping with his alma mater’s mission statement, “What Starts Here Changes the World,” Adams focuses his life and career on public service. “My long-term career goals are to continue working in real estate and as a firefighter. The flexibility in both fields allows time to inspire urban youth and to pursue other goals, interests and hobbies.
Name: Garrett Dee (B.A., International Relations & Global Studies/History ’13)
Activities: Student Government, International Affairs Society, Relay for Life Planning Committee, Tejas Club
Opportunity knocks…Dee discovered his interest in Chinese culture while studying the language during his sophomore year. When he learned about the opportunity to live and study in Beijing for a month, he immediately applied. “I thought it would be a really unique experience to see Beijing, which is really the city at the heart of cultural, political, and historical life in China.”
Keeping an open mind…Sine he has been studying the language and culture for quite some time, Dee wasn’t overwhelmed by culture shock. His biggest challenge was opening his mind to different ideologies. “It was difficult leaving my own historical and political perspectives behind and opening myself up to the viewpoints of Chinese people. China is a country with a really strong ideology that can conflict with other notions that we have in Western countries.”
Dispelling stereotypes…One important lesson from his trip, he says, is that the people of China—and any other country for that matter—aren’t all marching to the beat of the same drum. “No country is a homogeneous entity, and China is no different. People have a tendency to think all Chinese people are a certain way, but the truth is that there is just as much variation among the average Chinese person as there is in any other place.”
More than a passing curiosity… “I actually find my attitudes are more Chinese than American. It could be little things like taking my shoes off when I’m inside or closing the elevator door as soon as I get in, to big things like how I view my place in society or the nature of my relationship with my parents. A quick study abroad trip to China become more than just a passing curiosity. It’s s a fundamental part of who I am now.”
A whole new world…“I really discovered a whole new world in China and I’m not done yet. I learned more of a new language, opened my mind to a new culture, and got to chow down on some delicious foods as well. And most importantly, going to China allowed me to move to Taiwan, where I have lived, worked and studied for the last four years. Couldn’t have asked for more.”
Working on the beat…Now residing in Taiwan, Dee is the writer and editor for an online news publication. With graduate school in his sights, he plans to deepen his knowledge of modern Chinese and international communications. He was awarded a scholarship from the Taiwanese government to do graduate-level studies in Mandarin Chinese at the International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University.
The journey has just begun…Dee says it would be stretch to say that he ever came away from the trip with new insights and observations because he never really “came away” from China. “It started me on my journey towards seeing the world in a different way, and it’s a journey that’s still continuing four years later.”
Name: Kelly Perez (B.A., Social Work ’15)
Activities: Project volunteer, LCAE; Gateway Scholars; Gateway Mentor Program; student assistant, Student Organization Center; orientation adviser, Office of the Dean of Students; IE Pre-Graduate Intern and Kuhn Scholar
Adventure bound… Perez embarked on her journey with the goal of broadening her world view and coming into her own as an adult. “I looked forward to experiencing new things and learning to be more independent. I also felt comforted by the thought of being surrounded with Gateway staff in Beijing. I trust and love many of them so I knew I was in good hands.”
Connecting by disconnecting…Her biggest challenge abroad? Navigating a foreign environment without her phone. Without the aid of her trusty GPS app, she had to stop and ask for directions while navigating a subway system for the first time in her life. “It made me realize how isolating technology can be. I had some exciting adventures that wouldn’t have happened if I followed my GPS around instead of engaging with locals and asking where to go and what to do for fun.”
Coming into her own…“It took Beijing for me to truly believe that I can make it anywhere. I now carry that confidence with me. It’s comforting and encouraging to know I can pack up my suitcase and be successful no matter what!”
Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes…“I see the world as a much friendlier place. China’s locals were helpful and friendly. Even other foreigners wanted to chat and get to know me. Different cultures are much less intimidating to me now.”
Memories to last a lifetime… “I will never forget spending a night in a rural village outside of Beijing. Our driver was blasting Chinese music while driving his van on the side of a mountain. It was exhilarating! The village’s food was authentic, delicious and somehow reminded me of my mother’s cooking. The next morning, we followed an 80-year-old man up a three-mile hike to the highest point of the Great Wall. The view was so worth it! We also stayed up all of that night playing games and enjoying each other’s company.”
Delving into the field…Her research paper on social entrepreneurship in Beijing proved to be a big undertaking, but she followed through and discovered some hidden strengths. “I think the rigor of the assignment really prepared me for my senior year as a social work major where all my classes required I complete research and lengthy papers!”
Life after UT…After leaving the Forty Acres, Perez embarked on a new adventure: Teach for America! She is currently teaching in Dallas and plans to start her own nonprofit one day.
Name: Karen Reymundo (Nutritional Sciences, ‘16)
Activities: Project volunteer, LCAE; lead volunteer, Students Helping Admissions’ Recruitment Effort; volunteer, UT Red Cross Club; Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society; Pre-Physician Assistant Society; Student Leadership Institute; student mentor, Summer Bridge; College Forward Collegians; Gateway Scholars Mentor Program
Flying solo….Reymundo faced her first big challenge even before setting foot in Beijing: Flying alone for the first time. Unable to book a flight with a fellow Gateway scholar, she was plagued by a maelstrom of “what if?” questions. “All of these thoughts and questions such as, “What if I get lost? What if I accidentally missed my connecting flight? What if something bad happened?” Many other questions were running through my head. It was overwhelming and I felt scared.”
Keeping calm and carrying on…She soon learned that it’s OK to feel anxious about new experiences. Though she did get lost a few times and experienced some setbacks, she learned how to stay optimistic and calm in the midst of chaos. “Overcoming my first set of challenges gave me the confidence to do other activities that I may feel hesitant or fearful about.”
Expanding her comfort zones…”Putting myself out there, especially in a foreign place, allowed me to meet people whom I would’ve never met otherwise, and to engage in a conversation I’ve never had before. Not only did I feel more at ease when it came to approaching new people, I have also gained a different outlook on life.”
Fun and games…Of all her memories, she’s most fond of the time she spent with her fellow travelers at a mountain village near the Great Wall. Without cell phones, TVs or other digital distractions, they laughed the night away over a little game of “Wink Murder.” “Sitting closely next to each other felt intimate, as if we were all family. Just hearing everyone giggling and laughing made it much more special.”
A whole new world…“As cliché as it sounds, studying abroad truly did give me an opportunity to look at the world through a new lens. As we visited historical sites, interacted with street vendors, observed families and conversed with Chinese students, I experienced these things with an understanding and respect of their culture. As I learned more about China first-hand, I developed a better perception of how they live, what their values are, and of the issues that they are currently facing,. It was also through these experiences that I have come to appreciate what we take for granted here in the states.”
Life after UT…After graduation, Reymundo pursued her passion for healthcare and took on a job at St. David’s Hospital in the Nursery Unit. In the future, she aims to work in a clinic that serves low-income community members. “Hopefully with experience, I will be able to create an organization that will provide a free or affordable health care in the Philippine province that I grew up in.”
More about the program: The China Maymester program is led by Dr. Leonard Moore, history professor and associate vice president for the DDCE; and Dr. Charles Lu, director of the LCAE’s Gateway Scholars program. Go to this website for more details.