Bachelor’s in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language '15
Master’s in Liberal Arts '16
Home University: Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU)

Why I chose Temple and the DBMD
Other ZJNU students who went to Temple told me how they liked the program, and that they learned a lot. For me getting a Master’s is better than just being an exchange student. And, spending two years in the U.S. is allowing me to know this society better and make more friends.

What I’ve learned so far
I’ve taken classes in literature, women’s studies, and film studies, to name just a few. Thanks to all that reading and writing, my English has improved a lot. Besides what I’ve absorbed in classes, I’ve also learned to stay calm while confronting tough jobs and to fully use all the resources around me, for example enlisting the help of the librarian or going to talk to my professor.

My advice
Be ready to experience a totally different life, and adjust yourself to a relatively heavy load of class assignments. Believe in your choice and it will be good.

How Temple differs from my home university
The classrooms and facilities are more sophisticated, and the number of students in a class is smaller. For us it’s normal for 50 students to share a relatively small room, but here the amount of students is rarely more than 15. And, more readings and writings are required and most of the courses require preparation before class.

My future
Before coming to the U.S., my plan was to get a Master’s and work at the Confucius Institute. Now I am considering getting a Ph.D.

Favorite Philadelphia activity/food
There are a few Chinese restaurants nearby, which are really good and also inexpensive. As for American food, I highly recommend Philly cheesesteaks. They’re perfect with a hot caramel macchiato.

Favorite Temple activity
I like the DBMD dinners organized by the Office of International Affairs. I always make new friends there.