Wu Zhijin, from China, spent four weeks living and volunteering in Dover, MA as part of CHI’s Short Term Enrichment Program. Realizing the importance of cultural exchange, Wu made a point to experience as much as possible during her stay.
“Since my reason for joining this program is also to experience American culture, I spent a lot of time exploring the town and taking short trips to other cities in New England. I learned how to skate in Portsmouth, shopped in KitteryOutlets and tried local pizza, donuts and sandwiches.
In Boston, I was so lucky to see Harvard, MIT and go to Capital Grill for steaks. I walked all the way through the Freedom Trail, through Newbury Street, from MFA to Chinatown. I took the CJ bus, MBTA train and Subway in Boston. We watched the Super Bowl games with friends for the first time while eating lobsters, followed by the Spring Festival Gala and a New Year Party for Chinese friends.
I spent a rainy weekend in New York City with friends from Slovakia and Germany. I saw the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn and experienced the hustle and bustle atmosphere on Fifth Avenue and Times Square. Thanks to the Metropolitan Museum, I fell in love with the paintings of David Hockney.
When one is in a foreign country with all unfamiliar faces, the attitudes of people surrounding you gives lots of comfort. I just feel gratitude and happy every day thinking about all the warmth and welcome I have received from so many people I met during my stay. I’ve been enjoying myself every moment here and I really appreciate it when I could talk in ease with someone I just met. Soon it will be time for home but I’ve already set my mind to go back to America again in the future!”
