Molly Nelson - Experience China

" My experience in China was eye-opening and unforgettable -it pushed me to try new things, connect with people from a different world, and grow in ways I never expected."

Memorable Moments

One of my most memorable moments was trying traditional Chinese food for the first time with the local students – especially hot pot, which was way spicier than I expected but so much fun to share as a group.  Visiting the Yellow Crane Tower, Great wall of China and exploring the markets in Wuhan were definitely highlights too – it felt like stepping into a completely different world. But honestly, some of the best memories were just the little moments – late-night chats in the hotel, trips to dairy queen, laughing over language mix-up (we quickly learnt that Lala does not mean really spicy), and bonding with people from a totally different background. Those are the things I’ll remember most.

Living the Culture

There were definitely a lot of cultural differences, but also some surprising similarities. One big difference was that students in China have classes six days a week, which felt really intense compared to the typical five-day schedule at Ulster. At the same time, people were so welcoming and eager to connect, just like back home. Food culture was a big difference – meals were more communal, with everyone sharing dishes, which I really enjoyed. But what stood out most was how much we all had in common underneath it all – the same sense of humour, the same curiosity about each other’s lives, and the same desire to make friends and learn something new. It made the cultural exchange feel really natural and genuine.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to the heat and humidity – I definitely wasn’t prepared for how intense it would be! I also got bitten by mosquitoes about 20 times in the first few days, which wasn’t fun at all. I quickly learned to carry repellent with me everywhere and cover up more in the evenings. Another challenge was the language barrier; although I was almost always with someone who spoke English, there were still moments where communication was tricky. But I found that using translation apps, hand gestures, and just being patient really helped. Over time, I became more confident and started picking up a few basic phrases in Chinese, which made a big difference. It was all a bit overwhelming at first, but pushing through those small struggles made the experience even more rewarding.

Grow Global Friendships

At first, I was a bit nervous about meeting new people, especially with the language barrier, but it turned out to be much easier than I expected. Everyone at Hubei Normal University was so friendly and curious about where I was from - they really went out of their way to make us feel welcome. A lot of students were keen to practice their English, and they were just as interested in learning about our culture as we were about theirs. Even with the language differences, we still found ways to connect - through karaoke on the bus, food, music, and just laughing at the little misunderstandings. By the end of the trip, I felt like I had made real friendships that I'll definitely remember for a long time.

Exploring China’s Landmarks

Besides spending time at Hubei Normal University, I also got to visit Beijing, which was an unforgettable experience. Seeing the Great Wall of China in person was absolutely - it's even more impressive than I imagined! I also went to the Pearl Market, where I had a blast bargaining and ended up buying three handbags. Learning to negotiate was definitely a new skill for me, and it made shopping way more fun. Beijing was such a cool contrast to the university town - so busy, historic, and full of energy. It was amazing to experience both places and get a real feel for different parts of China. As well as Beijing we also visited Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province. We checked out the Yellow Crane Tower, which was incredible - the views from the top were stunning and gave me a real sense of the city's history.

Epic Highlights

• Trying traditional Chinese hot pot for the first time -  super spicy but so much fun to share and we got our nails done and watched an opera during dinner.
• Visiting Beijing and walking along the Great Wall of China - honestly one of the coolest things I've ever done.
• Shopping at the Pearl Market and learning how to negotiate -  I ended up buying three handbags!
• Making  new friends despite the language barrier - we found ways to communicate and had some great laughs and lots of trips to dairy queen to get pistachio blizzards.

Say Yes Abroad

If you are thinking about studying abroad, I would say just go for it! It's totally normal to feel nervous at first I sure was, but stepping out of your comfort zone is where the real growth happens. Be open to new experiences, even the ones that seem challenging or strange at first - that's usually when you learn the most. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, whether it's in language or just figuring things out, because people really appreciate the effort. And most importantly, try to connect with locals and other students as much as you can,  those friendships and memories are what make the whole experience so special. You'll come back with new skills, new perspectives, and stories you'll be telling for years.