Thanks to funding through the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program I have had the opportunity to pursue a long-held goal of mine to study in China. Living in Beijing has given me the chance to gain the language skills I need to pursue further research in Chinese history, while experiencing the nation’s civilization and culture first hand. Beyond this I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the country and meet some interesting people along the way. China is a fascinating and dynamic country, a dizzying blend of wealth and poverty, tradition and innovation, urban and rural life. There are many sides to China, and I’ve only begun to scratch the surface in my short time here. What else would one expect from a country that comprises nearly a fifth of the world’s population?
-Nick McGe