Learner’s experience in China was life-changing

Tiffany Auvinen  was one of over 25 learners from Royal Roads University who went to China for three weeks in October to study at Shandong Normal University in Jinan. The learning adventure was part of her Master of Arts in Professional Communication with a specialization in Intercultural and International Communication program.

Below, Auvinen shares her experience with readers of InRoads.

Interaction with MA students at Shandong Normal University was amazing RRU President Dr. Allan Cahoon (centre, front) poses with over 25 learners from Royal Roads University who were in China for three weeks in October to study at Shandong Normal University in Jinan. The learning adventures was part of their Master of Arts in Professional Communication with a specialization in Intercultural and International Communication program.

by Tiffany Auvinen

My experience in China was life-changing. I never believed that I would be exposed to such Chinese organizations as a software enterprise, travel business and insurance company – not to mention a Chinese-run prison. Each day, I met representatives from these and other companies; all successful leaders with an interest in the way Canadian organizations are managed.

When I visited Jiahe Life, an insurance firm in Jinan, I walked into a room of sales representatives all dancing to North American music. I couldn’t believe that team-building was practiced this way and wondered whether my own colleagues would participate in such an activity before drinking their coffee each morning. It was Jiahe Life’s way of motivating staff, and helping them connect with each other – a fun experience and a wonderful source of physical activity too.

Interacting with MA students from Shandong Normal University was an amazing experience. I was matched to a student based on our common research interest – building self-esteem in multi-ethnic youth – and I met the best person! Her name was Daisy and she greeted me with a smile and right away showed a keen interest in developing a close connection.

Matched with student with similar interests "Much of what Daisy told me still echoes in my mind today. Not everyone can attend university in China and once Chinese students find a job, they often need to support their families."

Daisy introduced me first to her room-mates. There were seven in all, sharing one room with only one washroom. I learned they each studied seven hours each day and, after seeing their accommodation, I realized that not only are Chinese students hard-working; they also overcome a lot of challenges.

Much of what Daisy told me still echoes in my mind today. Not everyone can attend university in China and once Chinese students find a job, they often need to support their families and care for their elders. That’s a lot of responsibility for someone who is only 25 years old.

Reflecting on my three-week residency in China, I think I have gained more knowledge that I could have picked up from any textbook and I’d highly recommend this opportunity to any Canadian given the chance to study abroad.

We are given so many opportunities in Canada and I’ve come home not only committed to sharing what I’ve just learned but also ready to begin making a difference. I’m pondering now – and so should we all – questions such as what am I going to do with my university education and how can I take best use the knowledge I am gaining.