MALIK MUHAMMAD TAHIR SULTAN

Exchange semester Spring 2019

Tianjin polytechnic University, Tianjin, China

There are several things that we learned over there, so many that I cannot even count them here but I'll be describing a few of them.

In spring 2019, my group fellows and I went on a semester exchange program in Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, China. It was actually suggested by a few of our friends who have been there on a similar program. It was a mesmerizing experience and no doubt, it was the best exposure to cultural diversity and international adventure. There are several things that we learned over there, so many that I cannot even count them here but I'll be describing a few of them. First thing that we learned was to handle a situation in which we don't have anyone around and we have to come up with a solution because there is no other way out of it.

Secondly, we learned how to compromise when you are co-depending on others. We also learned how to work with each other, how much good relations with each other are important when you are abroad? We learned how small things can cause big troubles unless you are proactive? Another thing we learned was how to learn from other cultures? We lived like a family over there. I mean, cooking food, traveling together, helping each other out in every situation, including monetarily, doing grocery, doing daily life chores etc. Most of us were away from home for the first time and we understood that this can be harsh for most of us. 

We not only studied but also enjoyed a lot, exploring the downtown, enjoying the nightlife of China, discovering new food items daily. Oh man! This reminds me of a lot of memories that we have. Our tour was not just bound to Tianjin, we went to Beijing, Shanghai, Mongolia, and The Great Wall, obviously! There were many rumors we heard before having this opportunity that we might not find halal food there and many more, but we were surprised that everything that we heard about that place was wrong. Everything was available over there. In short, it was the best time that we had ever spent, at least for me it was!