The Big City: Beijing

Guest Post by Shanzeh Jooma, rising Senior studying operations and supply chain management and marketing. She is currently interning at Boeing this summer in the supply chain field, and studied abroad last year on the Husky Presidential Ambassadors program to Beijing, China. Shanzeh received a GBC study abroad scholarship.

The incredible size of Beijing is fitting when you think of how much unique culture, delicious food, and rich history is packed into the city.  I was overwhelmed at how much the city had to offer me for my study abroad experience.

We began by getting to know the city’s history with visits to Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven, and more. It was amazing to see my textbooks come alive right in front of me. There was so much more to learn in person and I was in such awe of everything around me.

Another special part of this study abroad experience was getting to explore the city with international students from the area. Despite coming from completely different backgrounds we were able to learn so much from each other. Eventually, we realized we weren’t all that different after all. We formed friendships with these students that continue to exist today. We were so grateful that they willingly showed off their wonderful city to us.

Beijing turned out to be one of my favorite cities so far. It was a never-ending maze of history and culture that will forever have a special place in my heart.