Shivam Sharma

I want to start off by saying how amazing and life changing this trip has been; there were so many memories and learning experiences I have gained through this study abroad experience. My last couple weeks were bittersweet, and unlike last time, I knew I wouldn’t be coming back to China with this program because I completed my courses. The people I shared my experience with were nothing less of amazing and all very easy to get along with.

This semester was completely different from last semester in many ways. I had a better understanding of the environment, so I got settled in very quickly when I arrived. I was able to assist my colleagues with different things to help them get initiated.

I was more focused on local travel this semester as opposed to last semester where I went to different provinces and got to experience different landmarks like The Great Wall, and Summer Palace. I was more in tune with getting around on a bicycle and getting very familiar with the city. While exploration is a big part of who I am, I was busy with school work throughout and giving my best effort towards my grades. This semester was also unique in terms of the weather, last semester I came and it was very warm throughout the semester until it was closer to December; this time it was the exact opposite.

This semester I was able to experience my friends in China walk across the stage during graduation; this feeling was very heartwarming at the same time it was a time of reflection, as I will be doing the same in the following semester. I was super proud of my friends for achieving their goals and sent them with well wishes. I will meet some of these graduates in Miami as they continue their education overseas. I am ready to continue my next journey and see what the future holds for me, I know for sure I will be back to visit China, but until then, Farewell Tianjin!

Time is flying faster than ever, as I approach the other half of our program I am finding myself involved and busy than ever. Classes just finished with midterms so I got a chance to relax and get ready for the next half. These past couple days have been very busy, as a group we students signed up to help sophomore and freshman students with their essay writing, to help improve their english. I am very excited about this activity and getting to help out as much as I can. I have signed up throughout the week where I am free so I can balance this with school work. My colleagues and I will begin this next week, and get to work with multiple students each. 

        For the upcoming weeks I have planned to visit the city of Qingdao, this city is full of rich history and beautiful architecture. The city is located along the yellow sea and home to some delicious seafood. I did get a chance to visit last semester but it was such a great time that I want to visit it again. This time I plan to explore of the historic sites and see more of city as I will spend a little more time in the city. We plan on leaving in the next couple weeks, I am hoping for warm weather that way we might be able to go to the beach there. 

           The last couple weeks have been full of celebrations as we celebrated on our friend Celine’s birthday. We went out for some mexican food in the city, it really is some of the best mexican food I have had. Surprisingly you can find many different types of food. I have a favorite shawarma place and along with a fantastic burger place called Paku-Man burger, they serve the most unique style of burgers. Being a return student, I have come to understand the city in terms of directions to places and where certain places are located generally. This is very convenient when walking around the downtown area as most streets are becoming familiar to me. I have focused more on exploring Tianjin this semester and looked into more depth of its culture and it never fails to amaze me.

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Where should I start, the last couple weeks have been nothing short of amazing. We got to take some time off from our school schedule and were on a break for two whole weeks! These two weeks were just the perfect length to get in the spirit of Chinese New Year and get prepared for school, this is the year of the pig. I had originally planned to go to Shanghai during the break, but due to unfortunate events, I had to stay back and take care of some business. Even though I didn’t travel throughout the break, I still had a great time. I got to hang out with some friends around the city. I even got to a chance to become more familiar with the city. I had brought my film camera from back home, and it’s been a blast shooting around the city, although I have yet to get the reel’s developed.

Also, because I have an online classes this semester, it would be difficult to be traveling while having to stay up with the course work. I have no regrets about staying back – it was a very well needed time for me to relax and just be free of mind. Now we are back in school and back to getting to the course work so I will probably be traveling less; it doesn’t help that it is still pretty cold out. The next few weeks will be packed with midterms and upcoming projects, but I still hope to get out and visit new places and partake in activities. This semester has been very different than my previous one. This could be due to the new season, also the new faces of my colleagues. I have had such an interesting time with the people around me and look forward to building that connection throughout the semester.

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After a life-changing semester, I made the decision to come back once again to Tianjin! This time, I hope to take advantage of more resources around me and become more familiar with the language. Coming back this semester was different than when I initially arrived in August, one major difference being the climate. This semester I don’t have as a heavy workload as last semester, but the classes are more challenging to me at least. Being back, I have interests in exploring more of places I didn’t get to experience last semester and learn more about customs and cultures of China.

The first week of classes was just becoming familiar with the syllabi and simple formalities. The professor for my accounting class is very energetic and passionate about what she teaches, which makes it all the more interesting. The group of study abroad students I am with this semester are all very outgoing and friendly; they are always available if I need help or assistance with anything. We are all going to be visiting Shanghai for the two week long break we have coming in the following week! This time of year is the Chinese New Year celebration, the coming year is the year of the pig.

    For the break, we have got an airbnb for about a week. We have pre-planned some definite sites to see such as Disney — this is a place I’ve dreamed of going since I was very young and to experience it in Shanghai will be a great opportunity! There is a chance of us all visiting one of the known food tours which showcase the popular and special foods in Shanghai. For now, I’m sure my colleagues and I have assignments and homework we need to finish before heading out on our break.