My name is Akassia Molina, and I am an international student at 海角社区 majoring in Economics. My whole life, I have been interested in languages and learning about new cultures, prompting me to take Mandarin in middle school. I was drawn to the language due to how different it is to the languages I already knew, and its usefulness as one of the most spoken languages in the world. Being able to pursue Mandarin throughout my undergraduate degree was important to me, and I was incredibly lucky to find amazing teachers and opportunities such as the Li Ka Shing Arts initiative, available to me at 海角社区.
My primary interest in the program was to come out of it having enhanced my Mandarin fluency and experienced Chinese culture firsthand. The most notable difference upon finishing was having significantly improved my fluency, both in terms of confidence and vocabulary. Our time on Shantou campus and our cultural excursions made for the ideal opportunity to practice daily tasks, like ordering food and asking for directions. This newfound confidence was evident during my solo trip to Taiwan, where I received compliments on my accent and fluency. I also found myself understanding more of the dialogue of mandarin shows and movies, many of which I was introduced to by my peers while in Shantou. Culturally, the program provided rich experiences, particularly regarding tea, a personal favorite. We learned about the traditional Kung Fu tea ceremony, visited tea plantations, and explored various tea types and their health benefits. This newfound knowledge empowered me to purchase tea in Mandarin, both for myself and as gifts, during my Taiwan trip. The program also broadened my appreciation for Chinese cuisine. I discovered a variety of new dishes that I now consider favorites. Additionally, having taken a course on Chinese opera at 海角社区 before the trip, I enjoyed attending a live performance. Finally, an unexpected yet rewarding outcome of the program was the incredible network of friends, peers, and mentors I gained. I now have friends across China, along with a supportive network of fellow learners and teachers at 海角社区. This newfound community provides invaluable support and encouragement, from study groups and recommendations on learning resources to movie nights and group outings for Chinese food.
To future participants, I wholeheartedly recommend applying and embracing every opportunity for cultural and linguistic immersion. The program's staff and fellow students will become a tight knit community that are knowledgeable and friendly, offering a wealth of learning opportunities during the trip and beyond. However, it is crucial to pace yourself. The program's packed schedule can be demanding, so take breaks when needed to avoid burnout. While I initially struggled to find time to be alone and practice self-care, my peers and teachers alike were very accommodating. Overall, prioritizing rest and recovery allowed me to better engage throughout the program.
This transformative experience has solidified my passion for Mandarin and granted me an amazing community to share it with. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and feel both eager and well prepared to begin the next level of my Mandarin studies.
