Students broaden global perspective through MTSU study abroad experience in China

Seven Middle Tennessee State University students took their education beyond the classroom this summer during a faculty-led study abroad program in China.

Led by Jun Da, professor of linguistics and Chinese in MTSU’s Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, the students spent more than two weeks in Hangzhou and Shanghai exploring Chinese history, culture, society and modern development.

The program, held May 18 through June 3, combined classroom instruction with visits to historical landmarks, museums, technology companies, local communities and universities.

Students participated through Introduction to Chinese Culture, a three-credit course open to students from any major. The course fulfills requirements for both the Chinese minor and interdisciplinary minor in Asian Studies and introduces students to Chinese history, philosophy, religion, society and contemporary development.

“The Study Abroad Program allowed students to move beyond classroom learning by experiencing Chinese society and culture directly,” Da said. “Through lectures, cultural activities, company visits, community engagement and interactions with local students, they explored Chinese history, philosophy, religion, society, technology and contemporary development.”

During the trip, students toured museums, historical sites and technology companies, participated in traditional arts workshops and experienced daily life through a homestay program. They were also paired with students from Hangzhou Normal University through a buddy exchange program.

For history major Benjamin Wiggins of Lewisburg, the trip fulfilled a longtime goal of experiencing China firsthand.

“China is a place I have always wanted to go,” Wiggins said. “It’s a country that many people, despite having never visited, have strong opinions on, and I wanted to get to see how it was with my own two eyes.”

One of Wiggins’ most memorable experiences happened while the group was using the subway. When a student had trouble purchasing a ticket, a local woman who spoke little English stepped in to help. After the ticketing app failed, she purchased the ticket herself and guided the group to the correct station.

“I’ll never forget that moment,” Wiggins said.

The experience also challenged Wiggins to become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations, including something as simple as ordering food.

“I felt very scared to do anything like order food in the cafeteria,” he said. “But ultimately I got over my fear after doing it once or twice.”

Art history major Emma Turner of Murfreesboro said the trip strengthened her academic interests and inspired her to continue studying Chinese.

“I now have the goal of becoming fluent in Chinese and certainly want to visit again,” Turner said. “My major is in art history, and I would love to further study the evolution of modern art in China today.”

Turner said the experience also resulted in friendships she expects to continue long after the trip.

“Because we had all chosen to come on the trip, I ended up making lifelong friends,” she said.

The trip also gave Turner a new perspective on the similarities people share despite cultural differences.

“China was completely different in many ways culturally,” Turner said, “but also people were fundamentally the same. Everywhere, people value kindness, time with those they love and improving the world around them.”

Building those personal connections was an important part of the program. MTSU students were paired with students from Hangzhou Normal University, giving them opportunities to exchange perspectives and learn more about contemporary Chinese society.

Da said study abroad programs can help students develop independence, confidence, communication skills, cultural awareness and adaptability while preparing them for their future careers.

“Study abroad allows you to grow personally, become more independent and gain confidence in unfamiliar situations,” Da said. “Programs like this also strengthen your communication skills, cultural awareness and adaptability, qualities that employers value in many careers.”

Da plans to offer the study abroad program again in summer 2027. In addition to Introduction to Chinese Culture, he hopes to add FL 1000: Intersections of Language and Culture, an English-taught course that would make the experience available to an even wider range of MTSU students.