CUEB student blogs 2019

This picture for me illustrates my newly found perception of China following a short trip to Beijing. It’s a country which is not scared, or ashamed of its one-party system. Instead, as pointed out by many people I met on this trip, the one-party system allows the government to get things done. Continue reading →

I had wanted to see Mao's Mausoleum since my first visit to Beijing, because of his significance for Chinese and World history. Chris, our student guide, disapproved, he believes he should be laid to rest. I agree there is something cruel about keeping a dead body on public display for decades. But the "real" body has greater power on our imagination than a mere statue. Our whole group went to see The Chairman, and we stood in the baking heat for 2. Continue reading →

I feel that this photo embraces my time in China the most, as it portrays my happiness in the moment, surrounded by my new friends and a different environment. The photo mirrors me taking a step out of my comfort zone and trying something new in life; mixing feelings of happiness, fascination and sweatiness. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in China which showed me the different lifestyle people live on the other side of the world, the different food they eat and their perception on the world. Continue reading →

The CUEB Beijing summer school was a life-changing experience, which certainly exceeded my expectations. Not only did I learn at a university abroad, but I also experienced a new culture in a new country, which was eye opening and enriching. Through my journey on this summer school, I made some amazing friends and together we shared some unforgettable memories. My personal highlight was The Great Wall of China seeing as it is considered to be one of the great wonders of the world. Continue reading →

Personally, I believe this photo is rather good summation of China. In the forefront is a traditional, small, Chinese street – called a Hutong. In the background is a soviet-style apartment block which is common in modern China. Though Soviet-style and governed by the communist party, China is far from communist; the shops in the foreground which highlight China’s open, market-economy demonstrate this contradiction. Continue reading →

The Great Wall of China was an experience that we all looked forward to, and didn’t disappoint. Being at the end of the trip, it was also an opportunity to reflect on our time in China, while taking in the scenery. With new knowledge, great memories and amazing new friends; summer school provided much more than expected. All the staff involved, from both Universities, made it possible for the trip to be what it was. I couldn’t recommend this opportunity enough. Continue reading →

We visited Jingshan Park on the penultimate day of the trip. Situated in the centre of the Beijing, the hill inside Jingshan Park offers a full view of the city. We were able to locate almost all of the sites we had visited over the course of the week such as the Forbidden city, Tiananmen Square and Beihai Park to name a few. It reminded us of just how much we had seen and learnt about China in such a short amount of time, making it the perfect end to a truly memorable trip. Continue reading →

This photo was taken during our visit to Tianjin. In the photo you can see the vibrant, colourful and oriental style buildings that represent traditional Chinese culture, with flags and lanterns overhanging Chinese food stands and shops, similar to what one would expect to see in places such as Chinatown in London. In the background of the photo however, you can see the tall, grey high-rise buildings that one would associate with any large developed city. Continue reading →

I have pictures of myself on the Great Wall, in the Summer Palace and at the Temple of Heaven yet this picture is by far my favourite. We had just seen a Traditional Chinese dance performance at the Confucius Temple when a group of Chinese schoolchildren pointed and ran up to me smiling and laughing. They were so excited to see someone like me and that excitement escalated when I began to speak to them in Mandarin. Continue reading →

My favourite picture of the trip is this photo I took in the Summer Palace, overlooking the Kunming lake with Longevity Hill in the centre. The Lakes and Gardens of the Summer Palace along with the main building created the most beautiful place I have ever seen in the entirety of my life. Continue reading →