Scott is from Wisconsin. He majored in International Studies in college and studied abroad at Yantai University in China with World Endeavors.

Why did you choose to study abroad through World Endeavors?

I liked what I saw on the World Endeavors website, and I liked that Yantai was close to both Beijing and Shanghai.  It was very cheap and convenient.

Where did you live? 

I stayed in the international student dorms on campus.

What was a typical day like at Yantai?

8:00 -11:50am     Classes (usually two)

12:00 – 1:50pm     Lunchtime

2:00 – 5:00pm     Class some days, free time other days

6:00pm     Dinnertime

What was a typical meal?  What were your favorite foods?

My favorite meal was actually a Korean dish called “kao niu rou pan fan.” I’m not really sure of the exact translation, but basically it’s fried beef and noodles with rice. The food on campus was cheap and healthy with lots of vegetables.

What did you do in the evenings or on weekends? 

In the evenings, I would go out with my friends to downtown or we would hang out on campus.  The campus is beautiful and there is a lake by the international student dorm where we would go walking.  Sometimes we would just hang out in our rooms and chat or watch television.

Did you get a chance to travel?

I was able to go to Shanghai, Suzhou, Sitang, and Nanshan with my friends.  I also went to Beijing and Mongolia, and to Korea after the semester ended to visit my Korean friends I made at Yantai.

Were there things that you found difficult to get used to?

I panicked a little at first, because my Mandarin was bad, and the classes were taught in Chinese.  I eventually got used to it and learned a lot.  The professors were mostly young and it was really easy to relate to them.  We would have dinner with them sometimes and even traveled with them.

What was the highlight of your experience abroad?

The highlight is every moment that I spent with my friends in China, they were such wonderful people.

What are you doing now? 

I am currently working and looking for a job that deals more with my major.  I would love to go back to China.

How do you think your time abroad impacted your future plans?

I think it has given me a better view of how the Chinese people, especially the younger generation, think and feels about global issues.

What advice would you give to someone going to China?

My advice is to make a lot of friends and don’t be scared to go outside of the campus.  Also, give it time – things that seem difficult at first always get easier.