I can't believe I'm about to leave China. I just went through the immigration gate, where the officer checked that I haven't stayed longer than my visa permitted. I came with a 90 day Tourist Visa, and today makes exactly 90 days. It's strange to think that 3 months ago, I arrived in China at the Beijing airport, filled with so much nervousness and excitement for my summer here. Now, as I wait to board my plane to LA at the exact same airport, I feel so thankful that I've had this opportunity to grow here over the summer. I've learned so much about my culture and improved my Chinese in the best way possible. I've cherished the time spent with my family in Wuhan. Coming here alone has not only given me independence, but helped me to become confident in it. I am going to miss the wonderful 3 months that I've spent here, all the people that I've gotten to know and the ones that I now know better. I know that the memories of them and all that I've experienced are going to have a lasting effect of what I will want to do with my future.
Tomorrow morning I take my final exam in my Chinese class, and then I have officially finished the USAC program here at Shanghai University. I've had a great summer here, and I cannot believe how quickly these past few weeks have gone. Our whole group is meeting for a final lunch tomorrow, and then I leave in the afternoon to catch my plane back to Wuhan. I will stay in Wuhan at my grandmother's house for about another week until I return to the States on the 16th. I am going to miss Shanghai and everyone I've met this summer. I have grown to deeply appreciate the juxtaposition of a city that I have explored firsthand. There could have been no better way to improve my Chinese language skills and learn more about Chinese culture. It feels so unreal that I am leaving tomorrow.
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CHINA 2013
I am visiting China for 3 months this summer to visit relatives in Wuhan and study abroad at Shanghai University. Archives
August 2013
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