Study Abroad to China!
Hi everyone! My name is Ariel Darnell and I am 22 years old. I am a junior in college at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington working on a double major in Political Science and International Studies. As a part of my major and a lifelong dream I've had since about 6 years old, I have finally been given the opportunity to study abroad in Shanghai, China this summer of 2017 at Fudan University. From July 7th - August 4th, this intensive and immersive 4 week summer session will give me the opportunity to not only earn my last and final Chinese language credit needed to graduate and earn my Bachelors in Arts degree, but it will give me an opportunity of a lifetime as well.
I remember in elementary school I pulled a book off the shelf on China, and for the first time, I couldn't put a book down. I was beyond captivated with the history surrounding this amazing culture – from the sights, to the language, to the traditions and ways of life, I knew I wanted to one day visit this fascinating place. Fast forward to many years later and I decided to actually learn Chinese, because I not only found the language challenging to learn, but because of the simplicity of one character being able to be combined with several others to create a more complex word or phrase. The actual technique of writing with a paint brush and ink, among other styles of writing, was instantly beautiful to my imagination and creativity of literacy. It was as if pictures could be used to explain words instead of memorizing an alphabet.
Many go to study abroad to pick up an extra language credit, or to just get out of the country to explore new regions, but I want to study abroad to actually immerse myself in a culture I have studied ever since I was young. I think the program will challenge my current knowledge and level of Chinese, as well as give me the opportunity to improve it. As a Political Science and International Studies major, I will be able to better understand politics, government, economics, and culture in a nation not accustomed to my own, and be able to utilize my experiences to strengthen my understandings within those topics of my majors. I will also gain a third level of a language, as well as an international experience needed to fulfill my major requirements. I hope to achieve a higher level of fluency and maybe even be able to tutor someone of a lower language level than myself.
Many of you might assume that I would have the funds to travel abroad, but in actuality I am paying a loan through school just to be able to attend and complete my 4 years here at UNCW. I also have a part-time job to help with any extra school and personal expenses. The cost of traveling abroad to Fudan is reasonably inexpesnsive, but with an added total of school loans, expenses, and little time, I am unable to pay for it all on my own. In total, I will be responsible for paying for tuition, room and board (housing), food, airfare, and student activities.
Studying abroad for me is not just a privalege, but a lifelong dream that I've always had. With your support, this dream could be made possible. Any form of contribution is benificary, nothing is too big or too small because every bit counts in the long-run. Thank you for reading my page, and even if you cannot contribute do not hestitate to pass this along; I appreciate the support all the same.
With much gratitude,
Ariel Darnell
See Fudan University Travel Expenses here:
http://iss.fudan.edu.cn/second/Travel.html
Read up on the program via UNCW's website here:
http://educationabroad.uncw.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10913