Santa Clara University

Vinod Kamath '09

Peer Advisor: Marketing Coordinator

I chose to study abroad mainly because I have always been interested in traveling and wanted to experience living in another country. I especially wanted to live in a country that was significantly different from any place I had been before and was not necessarily part of the “Western world.” Beijing seemed to fit these criteria perfectly. It is a city that is constantly developing and become more Westernized while at the same time it is struggling to retain its heritage. I knew it would be a place that would challenge me to move outside my comfort zone and perceive things in a different manner.

After spending a few months living in Beijing, I have gained a much better understanding of myself and the world in general. Living in a city that contrasts Western society so greatly forced me to re-evaluate my understanding of the world. Daily life in Beijing was a struggle, mostly due to the language barrier, which forced me to adapt and grow. Living in such a massive city meant that I was no longer in control of my surroundings. I had to learn to adapt to the Chinese lifestyle and work with it. My experiences abroad has created a new interest in possibly pursuing a global career and even living abroad post college. I would highly recommend every student to take advantage of the study abroad programs availabe at SCU. These programs are truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that give students a chance to understand a country on a much deeper level than most other forms fo travelling can. I would also recommend that students choose places that challenge them and not just the programs that are popular. It is surprising how much one grows when put into a new environment so different from anything they knew before. The study abroad program is an invaluable opportunity that every student should take advantage of.