Erna, a participant in the “Journey to the East” program, writes to us from Guangzhou, sharing her reflections after nearly two months in China. Here’s what she had to say:
It’s hard to believe I’ve already been in China for almost two months—time truly flies. From the very first day, my host family welcomed me with such warmth that it felt like we’d known each other forever. It didn’t take long to get used to the rhythm of daily life here.
We’ve visited so many places together, and I’ve learned so much about Chinese culture—which still fascinates me every day. The language is also something special. I genuinely enjoy learning it, even though I’ll admit—it’s not the easiest! 🙂
What intrigued me most from the start was the food—and let me tell you, it’s amazing. It’s probably the biggest difference compared to back home, but since my own diet is already somewhat similar, I adapted quickly.
I’ve got just one month left here, and honestly, I don’t know how I’ll say goodbye. But I feel grateful—grateful for the incredible people I’ve met and the unforgettable experience I’ve had.
To anyone thinking about joining a cultural exchange program—do it.
You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain. ❤️