Student name: Ms. Maurizia Galvan
Nationality: Italy
Time in Global Exchange Center: 4 weeks from 2 Sep. 2013
This is my third week in Beijing. Since last year was only a dream succeed in studying
in Beijing for a month. Now I can finally tell that I am here. I study oriental languages
in the university of Venice, but I think that if you want understand totally what you are
studying. The best thing to do is put to test yourself, find bravery and want strongly
know a culture totally different form. For example, Italian culture. So this summer I
found two jobs and the 30th of August, I left Beijing. I decided to stay in a host family
because I think that in this way I can improve better my Chinese language and know
more directly Chinese life. The first week was very hard because I continually got lost,
Beijing is very big. I came from a small town of about 1000 and half of abitants. Here
only few people speak English and when I arrived here, I won’t be able to explain in
Chinese where I want to go a what I want to ask. I never take a subway before come
hear, but it’s only a habit. Slowly I accustom to move alone in this city and I don’t have
any problem now.
I attend a intensive course of Chinese at Global Exchange Education Center. The course
is really effective and focalised on practicing conversation. I have four private lesson a
day but I think that the best thing is that, for example, if you have lesson in the morning
and study a new topic or a new grammar rule, when you finish lesson and go in a
restaurant or fast food for lunch ,you can immediately practice.The new topic you have
learn and this help you to learn more quickly. Accommodate in a host family is a good
experience,I have a fantastic grandmother, who is very good at cooking.I could taste a
lot of different typical food, for example, Bāozi and Máhuā,and other very strange food
but good food.For example,chicken feet or soup with head of fish , I was happy to taste
everything.
Unfortunately I stay here only for a month and during the weekend I want to visit more
possible,until now I visit the Great Wall ,the Beijing zoo,the summer palace,and the Ming
Tombs. last Monday I went with the school to eat a fantastic roast duck in a beautiful
restaurant.Until now the best place I have visited was the Great Wall, seems to be in a
space to an atmosphere indescribable they speak about history and Chinese culture.
I advice this fantastic experience to everyone who wants really or for pleasure on for
duty, bring near china and I hope to return as soon as possible.
