7,354 miles. The number has been running through my head all day. Thatās how far Harrisburg, PA is from Shanghai, China. And thatāll be the farthest Iāve ever been from home. In 22 hours, Iāll be on a plane on my way to live and study abroad for the next four months. It hasnāt fully hit me yet.
Iāve been to China once before (Beijing in May 2013) for a grand total of two weeks. I spent those two short weeks with a group traveling to many of Beijingās touristy must-sees, taking it all in, and exhausting my poor camera ā especially at the Great Wall because wow. After returning home, I knew that studying back in China was something I absolutely wanted to do.
P.S.- Iām typing this post while flipping through every āwhat ifā scenario for the heaps of clothes still laying around me.
As far as what to expect once I get to Shanghai: I have absolutely no idea. And thatās the fun part, right? Taking a leap into that āgreat unknown,ā really jumping out of my comfort zone, and taking on every opportunity thrown my way.
ā¦tell that to the nervous/excited/terrified/eager knot in my stomach that appeared only a few hours ago.
āWhoa, forgot I still had these shoesā¦do they still fit?ā¦oh, they fit great!ā¦probably should throw them inā¦for old timeās sakeā¦just in caseā¦ā
Iām excited to experience such a new culture and way of life ā both of which are SO incredibly different from Western traditions. I want to feel that culture shock ā whether it be with food, language, transportation, or minute differences in daily life ā and be placed in those awkward situations where Iāll have to utilize my language skills to get by; I donāt want to have English as a fallback.
I want to get lost in the city and find my own way home. I want to barter with vendors for cheap goods. I want to go to the street market and try some bizarre food. Maybe these situations would make some people uncomfortable but I prefer to be pushed outside my element.
āThe weather says thereās maybe, sometimes, once in a blue moon, a tiny bit of snow. Soā¦three pairs of boots! No? But. Two? Fine, one pair then.ā
English is the universal language of travel and, granted, I am going to one of the worldās largest metropolitan cities, which will make it tough to avoid. But I figure that outside the city ā and even inside in the much less touristy areas ā English is not as prevalent.
The thing is: I think to really appreciate another culture, itās necessary to delve into all aspects ā especially its language. Or at least make some sort of effort to connect with locals. Although English is convenient, I think the convenience and ease of it is exactly what takes away from the travelerās authentic experience of a new culture.
āWait, in all seriousness: what if I step in a puddle while wearing my wool socks, so I take them off to dry, and a hawk swoops down out of nowhere and snatches them? Should probably pack extras. ā¦althoughā¦does China even have hawks?ā
A part of me ā as Iām sure anyone else would be ā is anxious and terrified because, well, I donāt know what this experience will bring. I donāt know what to expect and I donāt know if Iām prepared for everything coming my way.
āDefinitely. China definitely has hawks.ā
But really, Iām eager because I know Iām about to have the adventure of a lifetime and I canāt wait for it to begin already

Jennifer Ushakov
<p><span style="color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; background-color: rgb(237, 237, 237);">Hi! Originally from Harrisburg, PA, I am currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a degree in Finance with a minor in Chinese language. I've been studying Mandarin since high school and am incredibly thrilled to have the chance to practice my language skills abroad this fall! In my free time, I love binge watching Netflix, experimental home-cooking, and spontaneous outdoor adventures. Come along as I explore the heart of Shanghai this semester!</span></p>