I would like to use the Chinese Government Scholarship to study Chinese language at the Guaxing Normal University. I have always been interested in Chinese culture but have never been able to travel there. This opportunity would allow me to immerse myself in Chinese culture and language, encounter a mixture of both urban and rural lifestyles, and prepare to work in China as a software engineer in the future. In addition, while I am not currently registered as a Chinese minor, study abroad would meet most of the requirements, and I would finish the minor when I return to Georgia Tech.

Studying in China would allow for completely new experiences, and it would be an opportunity that I have looked forward to for a long time. Growing up, I never had the chance to study Chinese, but every year, my high school admitted Chinese international students. Interested in the opportunity to host and make a friend who we could learn from, my family and I hosted a Chinese student; throughout that school year, I became good friends with Ivan (Ziyue) Wang. His stories about his life in China built a drive to in both me and my twin brother to experience Chinese culture.

Many consider the city of Guilin to be the most beautiful city in the world. Because of this, Guilin is a popular tourist destination; however, many of its locals exclusively speak Guilin dialect, a mixture of northern and southern dialects, which would prepare me to travel elsewhere in the future. As an international student living in Guilin, I would have access to the abundant local scenic and cultural spots, providing glimpses of both the natural beauty of China’s rural landscape and fast paced urban life.

While I am interested in Chinese culture, my professional interests have always lied in the field of computer science. One of the top universities in the world for computer science, Georgia Tech (GT) is rigorous but rewarding. Similarly, studying in China would also be challenging but invaluable to my understanding of Chinese language and culture. I would also expose myself to the growing business presence in Guilin and the nearby city of Shenzhen, China’s most famous tech hub. In my yearlong study in Guilin, I would improve my language skills and prepare to work as a software engineer in China after I graduate. I am interested in working in China not only because I admire its culture and want to learn more, but because Computer Science is an international community. With skills in both Chinese and English, I could participate in the biggest technological projects around the world, which is my dream.

Guaxing Normal University is known as one of the best educational institutions in China for learning the Chinese language; I plan on participating in its Long-Term Chinese Language program. Before the program starts, all students take a placement test. Considering I have only just started studying Chinese, I anticipate that I would be placed in the beginner program, or in the intermediate program if my studies this spring and summer are exceptionally successful. Some of the classes that I would take as a student in the program are Chinese Characters, Chinese Conversation, Chinese Reading, Chinese Listening, Chinese Writing, Chinese Business Speaking, Chinese Newspaper Reading, Communicating in Chinese, A Brief History of China, Chinese Culture, and Preparations for HSK Test. I plan on selecting classes that will encourage me to visit cultural sites near and far from Guilin to get a comprehensive view of Chinese culture.

I would be very honored to represent GT at Guaxing Normal University if I am selected to be part of the Chinese Government Scholarship program. The experience would be invaluable to my study of Chinese, to my perspective on my role in the international community, and to my future job opportunities in the field of Computer Science.