Languages student Natalia Aguirre Jacobo spent a year in Beijing at Beijing Foreign Studies University as part of her degree – it may not have been what she was expecting, but it turned into an unforgettable time!

From the moment I landed in Beijing, China, I felt as though I had stepped into a completely different world! It was truly a once in a lifetime experience, immersing me into a new environment and way of life that challenged my perspectives and broadened my understanding of different cultures. Having travelled across many countries in Europe and parts of Latin America due to my family background, I had already been exposed to a variety of cultural customs. However, Asia remained unexplored, making my year abroad the perfect opportunity to discover and delve into the richness and diversity this vast continent has to offer. 

University Life 

An aspect about my university life in China which stood out to me was the strong culture of hard work and collective ambition within university. As I walked across campus, there was a shared sense of purpose among the students, academic dedication felt both individual and communal, serving as a motivator to go the extra mile in my studies. At any hour of the day, it was common to find students studying amongst each other, reciting notes or participating in the wide range of social and particularly sporting activities which campus life had to offer. As a commuting student in London, I had never experienced living and studying on campus and the sense of belonging that came with it. Being immersed within Chinese campus life allowed me to appreciate this strong sense of community which steadily anchored me in both my academic and social life. This remains as one of the most enriching and memorable aspects of my year abroad. 

Outside of University  

After the initial excitement of moving abroad and settling into a new routine, I realised the importance of intentionally creating and making time to get out and explore. Stepping outside of the familiar pattern of university life enriched my experience and deepened my understanding of Chinese culture and history. 

As a language student, it was quite important to me to reach a point where it felt natural to travel independently, allowing me to use my developing language skills and cultural awareness to respectfully navigate myself around China with confidence. Furthermore, the support provided through the GO Abroad programme played a significant role in the freedom and possible travel opportunities available to me throughout my year abroad. For example, university organised trips to Henan and Shandong, not only provided me with key historical insights into China’s culture and heritage but this extended into strengthening the connections I built with my peers. Through collectively participating in culturally rich activities, such as calligraphy writing and ceramic painting, we gained a greater appreciation for Chinese traditions while creating meaningful friendships with people from different corners of the world. These experiences highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the lasting friendships formed through shared experiences abroad.  

My time abroad is definitely one to never forget! I am beyond grateful for the ups and even downs that played a part in my wonderful experience away from home.  

I strongly encourage anyone considering a semester or year abroad to take it and enjoy what the world has to offer you!