Katie's Semester Abroad in China
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Hello! My name is Katie Gillespie, and I fell in love with China before I could speak. Now I have an opportunity to spend this Spring 2019 semester studying in Xi’an, China to be a “bridge-maker” between the American and Chinese people and culture—but to do so I need your help!
My (quick) Story
When I was one, my father briefly studied in China and brought back several toys for me, of which the most impactful one was a tiny, grey elephant I christened “Buddy.” He helped open my eyes to a world of new cultures and experiences and, from that moment on, I’ve barely even stopped to blink. My father’s goals dramatically changed after his stay in China, when he began intently focusing on race reconciliation and cross-cultural relationships—something I didn’t grasp the necessity of for quite a while. But, as I have grown in understanding, my mission right now is to attend Eurasia University in Xi’an, where I will hone my economic and linguistic skills to further the work my father has already begun in our community.
Who I am
I am a first-year senior at North Greenville University pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a double major in Linguistics and Economics.
What I’m Doing
Completing a full semester abroad, with:
· 12 credit hours of Mandarin Chinese Class
· A 6-credit hour Business Internship
· Certification for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
· Studying in one of the most historically important regions of China, Xi’an, which has been the capital to several ruling dynasties, the eastern end of the Silk Road, resting place of the Terracotta Warriors, and now a center of higher education.
Where?
Eurasia University in Xi’an, Shaanxi Provence, China.
When?
Spring 2019 Semester (February 17th – June 21st)
Why Chinese?
I am studying Chinese for several reasons:
· It’s the most widely-spoken language in the world! 1-out-of-5 people speak Mandarin Chinese, meaning it is a necessary commerce language and vital to cross-cultural communication and interactions.
· I want to educate middle-and-lower-class students how to grow themselves through Chinese studies and be prepared for a multilingual world and workplace.
· I desire to foster mutual understanding with Chinese here at home and abroad, which is vital to international peace and geopolitics.
What is My Need?
I need $9,437.00 by January 15th, latest January 31st, 2019
Cost Breakdown:
· Tuition + Room/Board: $6,500.00
· Internship: $400.00
· Emergency Medical/Trip Insurance: $387.00
· CGE enrollment services/wiring costs: $300.00
· Plane ticket: $1,500.00
· Visa: $250.00
· Books: $100.00
So far, I have earned $800.00 through my job at Chick-Fil-A and have secured $4620.00 in financial support through Federal Aid that will be reimbursed for my expenses in China. Therefore, I need a $4,620.00 short-term loan that my university, North Greenville, will reimburse on or before June 21st, 2019. After that, my remaining need is $4017.00.
Will you help me fulfill this lifelong dream directly tied to my future career and ministry upon my college graduation?
Thank you for your time and consideration in supporting me in this extraordinary opportunity. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the program.
Sincerely,
Katie Gillespie
P.S.,
If you want to take a look at the Consortium for Global Education's webpage, I have it linked for you here: Semester Abroad in Xi'an, China
My (quick) Story
When I was one, my father briefly studied in China and brought back several toys for me, of which the most impactful one was a tiny, grey elephant I christened “Buddy.” He helped open my eyes to a world of new cultures and experiences and, from that moment on, I’ve barely even stopped to blink. My father’s goals dramatically changed after his stay in China, when he began intently focusing on race reconciliation and cross-cultural relationships—something I didn’t grasp the necessity of for quite a while. But, as I have grown in understanding, my mission right now is to attend Eurasia University in Xi’an, where I will hone my economic and linguistic skills to further the work my father has already begun in our community.
Who I am
I am a first-year senior at North Greenville University pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a double major in Linguistics and Economics.
What I’m Doing
Completing a full semester abroad, with:
· 12 credit hours of Mandarin Chinese Class
· A 6-credit hour Business Internship
· Certification for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
· Studying in one of the most historically important regions of China, Xi’an, which has been the capital to several ruling dynasties, the eastern end of the Silk Road, resting place of the Terracotta Warriors, and now a center of higher education.
Where?
Eurasia University in Xi’an, Shaanxi Provence, China.
When?
Spring 2019 Semester (February 17th – June 21st)
Why Chinese?
I am studying Chinese for several reasons:
· It’s the most widely-spoken language in the world! 1-out-of-5 people speak Mandarin Chinese, meaning it is a necessary commerce language and vital to cross-cultural communication and interactions.
· I want to educate middle-and-lower-class students how to grow themselves through Chinese studies and be prepared for a multilingual world and workplace.
· I desire to foster mutual understanding with Chinese here at home and abroad, which is vital to international peace and geopolitics.
What is My Need?
I need $9,437.00 by January 15th, latest January 31st, 2019
Cost Breakdown:
· Tuition + Room/Board: $6,500.00
· Internship: $400.00
· Emergency Medical/Trip Insurance: $387.00
· CGE enrollment services/wiring costs: $300.00
· Plane ticket: $1,500.00
· Visa: $250.00
· Books: $100.00
So far, I have earned $800.00 through my job at Chick-Fil-A and have secured $4620.00 in financial support through Federal Aid that will be reimbursed for my expenses in China. Therefore, I need a $4,620.00 short-term loan that my university, North Greenville, will reimburse on or before June 21st, 2019. After that, my remaining need is $4017.00.
Will you help me fulfill this lifelong dream directly tied to my future career and ministry upon my college graduation?
Thank you for your time and consideration in supporting me in this extraordinary opportunity. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the program.
Sincerely,
Katie Gillespie
P.S.,
If you want to take a look at the Consortium for Global Education's webpage, I have it linked for you here: Semester Abroad in Xi'an, China
Organizer
Grace Gillespie
Organizer
Clover, SC
