Andy Armstrong - Experience China, Huangshi, China

Experience China 2018

"I took a chance by applying and the experience has shaped my future."

Memorable moments

When I think back to this programme the one thing that jumps out first is how welcoming everyone was and how everyone we met wanted to embrace us as much as us them.

The view from the Great Wall, the range of food experiences on offer, the art and the buildings, it was all a series of beautiful moments.

Learning about a different culture

I have absolutely fallen in love with China and I dream of returning one day. The culture is not at all how I expected it to be. It is rich with traditions and deep rooted beliefs much like those we have growing up in Northern Ireland.

Challenges and how to deal with them

There were a few challenges I faced, as an adult with autism I was terrified of being in a new country with complete strangers but this never became an issue because of the pre-departure sessions Go Global provided. I saw others in a similar position and we were never forced out of our comfort zone but encouraged. It felt like a group of friends before we boarded the first plane.

The heat though was something else, 42 degrees at one point. How I overcome this? There was a delicious ice cold lime drink, it really helped, as did the orange slushies.

Making friends while abroad

I do not make friends easily. I am an autistic man who is older than most of the students around me. It is 6 years later and I have regular contact with a number of people on the group, friendships that I’d have never made if not for this experience.

Travelling and sightseeing

Our trip was jam packed, we moved through three major parts of China and every one of them was so different from the other. Numerous hotel stays, education opportunities, a wealth of food experiences and everyone one of us got to embrace a particular day that was more tailored to us than the others. The visit to the art museum and art district blew me away while others found joy with the karaoke night, or particular dining experiences, so in a short amount of time we experienced so much and I’m still unpacking it to this day.

Advice

Just take the chance, if you have an opportunity presented to you just go for it. This experience changed the direction of my education for the better.