GREAT OPPORTUNITIES - KERRI LEHMAN

So far, China has been an incredible, and enriching experience! I cannot begin to explain what it is like to become immersed in a new culture; to live with the people and experience how they live. We have been at CTBU for four days so far, but it seems like we have been here for so much longer. I have met so many amazing people so far, and made some incredible friendships that will last a lifetime. In only these four days, it seems like we have known everyone forever. CTBU has been extremely hospitable and has hosted some great events for us, constantly keeping us happy and entertained. There has not been a moment so far during this trip where I have been bored, and I think everyone else would agree.
     Recently, Megan and I moved from the seventh floor with all the Widener students, to the second floor with some of our new European friends. Poor Megan fell one night when we were in Nanping and ended up spraining her ankle. It seemed pretty unreasonable for Tyler and Jeremy to carry her up and down seven flights of stairs at least three times a day, so we were moved down to the second floor. We were a little unhappy at first because our new room was not quite as clean as our room on the seventh floor had been, but with a little hard work and elbow grease, the room was much better. Living on the second floor also gave us an opportunity to become closer with the people on the floor. There are students from Great Britain, Kenya, Thailand, and Holland on our floor who were quick to welcome us to our new floor and help us out with anything we needed now that we were far away from our Widener friends.
     From making dumplings, to a scavenger hunt in the city, to a night boat cruise, CTBU has not given us a second to be bored.

The activities that they are providing for us have been so much fun, and allowed us to make new friends. I have to say, I am amazed at how many activities CTBU has provided for us in these past four days, and I am so thankful for their hospitality and generosity.  I can't even begin to write out everything that we have done so far, and explain how much fun we have been having, and I would say this has definitely been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I look forward to everything we are doing for the next week, and continuing to spend time with our new friends, and to make more friends!