I am choosing to apply to Nanjing Normal University as a general Chinese Language Program starting in the spring semester 2018. My reasons cover a wide sprectrum. Firstly, I am interested in learning chinese in an environment that fosters learning and values academic excelleny. My impressions of Nanjing Normal University and what I have heard through various sources supports what I have read on NNU´s website. Secondly I like the international environment at NNU, as I think cultural exchange and dialougue should be as diverse and open as possible, and this is the second thing that I hope to gain from my studies at NNU. I have already spent some time in Nanjing as a volunteer for the Goethe Language school that is integrated in the JESIE-Center, so I already feel connected to Nanjing and have become more and more interested in chinese language and culture.