Nanjing Normal University for language programmes is highly reputed, with excellent teaching and study atmosphere, as well as a beautiful and central campus. Moreover, Nanjing Normal University offers a more immersive experience than other universities attracting more Western students (such as Shanghai or Beijing universities, but also Nanda). This enables to avoid switching to English during breaks or social activities with classmates, and would allow me to further practice my Chinese outside of class. As I wish to push my Mandarin to pass HSK5 at the end of my stay, I chose Nanjing Normal University as I believe it offers the best environment and teaching excellency to focus on my Mandarin.

Overall, the city of Nanjing is historically and culturally important, as a former capital of many dynasties and a rich past. I therefore intend on complementing my studies with cultural trips to attractions in Nanjing and its surroundings. Moreover, as Nanjing is well connected with the rest of China (for instance through it being on high-speed train line Beijing - Shanghai), it provides the opportunity to explore more Chinese cities during holidays.

For all these reasons, I chose Nanjing Normal University for my semester in China, and I look forward to learning Chinese at its language programme.