Program of Study: Natural Resources Conservation
Country of Exchange: China
Tags: Exploring Forestry and Conservation in China
Why did you choose that region of the world?
After finishing the core course requirements for my major, Go Global’s Group Study Program titled Exploring Forestry and Conservation in China seemed like an interesting way to both get an international experience, and quickly gain the six elective credits I needed to graduate. Having never been to Asia before, going to China seemed like a great way to experience a completely different culture, and hence a different way of managing resources. I was particularly excited for the two-week field tour of Jiangsu province during the program where we would get to discuss land management issues surrounding plantation forests and nature reserves.
What was the highlight of your exchange?
There were many highlights of my time in China. A group of us met up in Beijing before the Group Study Program started, where we got to experience some exciting sites such as the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, as well as explore antique markets and art districts, all unfolding a culture of immense history. Once arriving at our host university in Nanjing, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), we were warmly welcomed with a large meal and continuous gan bei (cheers). I very much enjoyed the two weeks we spent living in residence at NFU where we had some wonderful 2+2 students take us in and help us navigate through Nanjing, including showing us the best food spots in town. The next two weeks we spent on the field tour was very interesting, exposing a very different management system than back home in BC. I especially enjoyed visiting poplar plantations, Jiangsu Yancheng National Nature Reserve (a wetland reserve hosting the Red-Crowned Cranes), and Tiacang Port (a shipping port where logs were being unloaded fresh off boats from BC).
Future Plans
Having just graduated from my undergrad, I am taking some time to work in the conservation field. In the near future I hope to travel more internationally, as well as within my home province of BC, through work and completing a masters.