SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Settling back into their rigorous academic schedules at Wittenberg University, senior honors students Laura Drinkwine and Emily Kingsley reflect on their life-changing trip to China during holiday break in December.
A $1.9 million grant from Freeman Foundation to the university’s renowned East Asian Studies program made this experience possible for the 11 Wittenberg students and five faculty members. The group toured Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou from Dec. 27 to Jan. 9.
Upon arrival, Kingsley was struck by the “extent of westernization and modernization throughout the cities, making me feel like I was traveling in any big American city. There was even a ‘Shanghai Times Square,’ and American models commonly graced many of the billboards,” Kingsley said.
While traveling throughout the country, students were given the opportunity to see what everyday life is like in China. Drinkwine recalls one experience when she held an entire exchange with a taxi driver in which she spoke entirely in English, using many explanatory gestures, and he responded in Chinese to indicate he understood.
“It was an amazing experience for me, because I figured out how to get around the language barrier,” Drinkwine said.
Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, Wittenberg professor of religion, noted that as the trip progressed, many of the students grew more confident in exploring this new culture.
“It was wonderful to see group members gain the confidence to explore Chinese cities, ranging in size from three million to 16 million, on their own,” Oldstone-Moore said.
Drinkwine and Kingsley were given the chance to learn more about Chinese culture and its people. Drinkwine observed on many occasions how generous the people of China can be.
“They love to give gifts to show their appreciation,” she said. “Those types of cultural interchanges shaped my impressions of the people.”
Kingsley realized through her interaction with the tour guides and other young adults that, “they lead a life quite similar to my own, with the exception that they speak Chinese and write using beautiful Chinese symbols.”
This trip proved to be an eye-opening experience for the travelers. For Drinkwine, Kingsley and others, it was their first experience traveling outside of the United States.
“I know now what it’s like to be the foreigner,” Kingsley said. “I feel a greater sense of openness and awareness for various cultures. My cognitive map has been further developed, and I can now conceptualize a geographic location on the other side of the world.”
Drinkwine and Kingsley agreed this experience is one they will value and remember throughout their lives. Drinkwine, a hopeful English teacher, explained, “I will take those reflections with me into the classroom as an English teacher.”
Upon Kingsley’s return to the United States she now feels “a sense of accomplishment in terms of my greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.”
Oldstone-Moore said, “I hope this experience helped the students and professors realize that although there are similarities with America, Chinese culture is distinctive and interesting.”
