DSU students travel to China for immersive study abroad experience

A group of Delaware State University students recently traveled to Yangzhou University in China for a study abroad experience focused on Chinese language, culture and history.

Departing just before spring break, students spent their time participating in lectures, workshops, cultural activities and visits to historical sites across Yangzhou and Shanghai.

The experience began with a welcoming ceremony at Yangzhou University, where representatives from local cultural and tourism agencies and university leadership introduced the initiative “Find China in Yangzhou,” encouraging students to explore the city through both academic sessions and hands-on cultural experiences.

Throughout the program, students attended lectures on Chinese language and culture led by Yangzhou University faculty. A roundtable discussion between American and Chinese university students gave participants the opportunity to exchange perspectives on campus life, education systems and cultural differences.

Students also participated in hands on workshops, including Huaiyang cuisine preparation, lacquer fan crafting, traditional fragrance making, paper cutting and woodblock printing.

Outside the classroom, the group visited Slender West Lake, the China Grand Canal Museum, Ge Garden and Dongguan Street. A lecture on “The Grand Canal and Chinese Culture” provided additional context for the region’s history, while evening activities, including a live canal boat performance, highlighted local traditions.

The program also included a visit to Shanghai, where students explored the city and walked along the Bund, taking in views of its skyline.

For Zafyr Ahmad, a criminal justice major from the Class of 2028, the experience was both impactful and eye opening.

“My overall experience traveling to China was truly transformative,” Ahmad said. “It provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, engage with students from Yangzhou University and gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives.”

“One of the most memorable moments of the trip was interacting directly with international students and exchanging ideas, which made the experience both meaningful and impactful,” he added.

“Academically and personally, I learned the importance of cultural awareness, adaptability and global connection,” Ahmad said. “This experience broadened my perspective and reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in law, where understanding diverse viewpoints is essential.”

Paige Yancy, an international studies major from the Class of 2027, described the experience as both personal and transformative.

“There are so many ways to describe traveling to China,” Yancy said. “I have personal connections to China, so there was an element of personal fulfillment. There was also the sense of academic adventure and curiosity.”

“You don’t return home the same person you were when you left,” she said. “Sometimes it is a subtle change and other times it is more noticeable, but either way, you are forever changed by the experience.”

One of her most memorable moments was seeing the Grand Canal.

“The canals,” Yancy said. “Seeing the history of the Grand Canal and how it influenced Yangzhou was impressive.”

“It’s humbling to see something like the Grand Canal that has history longer than my own country,” she said.

“On a personal level, this experience reinforced my belief in the human capacity for good,” Yancy said. “Despite what politics or historical context may say, we are all people seeking connection and understanding with our neighbors.”

The experience also influenced her academic goals.

“This opportunity felt like the final push to cement my interest in Chinese language and culture,” Yancy said. “I’ve changed the search criteria for graduate programs to ensure that at a minimum there is an element of East Asian focus.”

The program concluded with a reflection session, where students shared feedback, received commemorative gifts and participated in a group photo.

“This experience allowed our students to step beyond the classroom and engage directly with another culture,” said Dr. Yi Zhang, executive director of the DSU Chinese Language and Culture Research Center and director of ESL programs. “Experiences like this are essential to developing global awareness and intercultural competence.”

“From classroom discussions to cultural activities and site visits, students were able to connect classroom learning with real world experiences,” said Dr. James Braxton Peterson, chair of the Department of Languages and Literatures. “It was especially rewarding to see the relationships they built with their peers in China.”

Through initiatives like this, Delaware State University continues to expand global learning opportunities and strengthen international partnerships.