From climbing The Great Wall to laughing with the wonderful students at Hengyang Normal University, my three-week study abroad trip to China proved to be an adventure of a lifetime. Not only was I able to learn photography in such a culturally rich environment, but I experienced Chinese traditions firsthand. This trip allowed me to open my eyes to the world around me and broaden my perspective in terms of life and art.”

– Isabella Hernandez, June 2016
Mission, Texas, Senior, Graphic Design Major / School of Art (College of Fine Arts)

Why: I took Dr. Ping’s Photography class as an elective to travel to China and learn more about traditional Chinese culture all while expanding my skills in photography. Photography does not come easy without practice, but by nature of traveling, we are naturally compelled to snap pictures to try and capture the beauty of a place, so this class came hand-in-hand with traveling. Another factor that influenced me to join the China program was knowing we were going with a professor like Dr. Ping who understands the Chinese culture and language which made the experience all the more enriching and educational.

Highlights: Visiting one of the wonders of the world–The Great Wall of China– was an experience in itself and made learning history effortless and fun. The many sites we visited were breathtaking and trying the different types of Chinese foods depending on the region of the country sparked up the taste palate every time. Just thinking about the authentic Chinese sticky rice right now is making my mouth water. Also, the college students we shared our time with at Hengyang Normal University gave UTRGV students’ Chinese names and the College of Fine Arts of Hengyang Normal University made seals for all of us which was an honor.

Takeaway: Money, time, and fear were all my initial uncertainties before I considered applying to this program. Great experiences do not go without their challenges so if traveling/studying abroad is something that catches your attention, work towards it. Start planning and saving early. The university also offers two generous scholarships which help fund your trip. Once you are in China you’ll be happy you made the sacrifices you did!”

– Yvette Salinas, July 2016
Alton, Texas, Graduate Student in Communication Major / Department of Communication

I had the amazing opportunity to take Digital Photography in China for 3 weeks in the month of May of 2016. I was given the chance to leave the valley and experience a new culture through this class. It was a great opportunity to be able to learn about photography and photoshop while learning about another country’s history. I was able to capture beautiful images and see improvement in my pictures as the trip progressed. Being able to take a course in another country was one of the best decisions I could have made. I am truly grateful for this experience and hope others will partake in this opportunity in the future.”

– Kimberly R. Alaniz, June 2016
McAllen, Texas, Senior, English Major / Department of English

As a graphic design student, I really appreciate UTRGV and School of Art could offer such a wonderful course which not only matches with my major and curriculum requirement, but fulfills it through an international travel to another country. It was an amazing and incredible travel experience that I never had. I learned lots of new stuffs as well as made new friends during the trip. I do not know how to describe what I lived in such a beautiful country. This trip enhanced my creative thinking in different graphic design perspectives, and made me getting mature. If I could recommend this trip to all of these students who have never left home. Why not to give a chance to yourself to experience something you have never heard and tried in the past?”

– Eva Larraga, June 2016
McAllen, Texas, Junior, Graphic Design Major / School of Art (College of Fine Arts)

This past May I was able to participate in the study abroad program in China for Digital Photography. I’ve been wanting to travel outside of the U.S., and China did not disappoint. Besides having an overall positive experience with the culture, it was interesting to compare it to American culture and appreciate things that I normally wouldn’t. As a visually minded person, it was really refreshing to walk in a different environment while taking in the sights and observing everyday life. This was especially true during our stay in Hengyang. We got to attend class at Hengyang Normal University and experience life as a student there. The student volunteers that helped us during our week in Hengyang were very welcoming, kind, and enthusiastic; it made the whole experience that much better.

People who travel to different countries say that it’s going to change you in someway or another, that it’s worth saving up the funds to travel, and I wholeheartedly agree. My stay in China was everything I expected and more, and I look forward to the next time I can visit again.”

– Derick Somoso, June 2016
McAllen, Texas, Senior, Graphic Design Major / School of Art (College of Fine Arts)

During the Summer of 2016 I had the opportunity to travel to Beijing and Hengyang Normal University where I experienced a different culture and language. Learning about digital photography, lighting and applying Photoshop skills with historical and monumental back drops. It was truly a great experience; I will never forget the places and will continue to cherish the people I met.”

– Monica Nichol-Delgado, June 2016
McAllen, Texas, Senior, Printmaking Major / School of Art (College of Fine Arts)

In May 2016, I got the opportunity to travel to China and take a photography class. As an non-art major, I was first hesitant to enroll in such a specialized class that has nothing to do with my major. However, Dr. Ping was incredibly helpful and patient in explaining all the photography basics to us beginners. Traveling to China and visiting the landmarks seen only on television or magazines was absolutely breathtaking.

Attending class at a local Chinese university was an incredible experience as well. We got to fully immerse ourselves in a different culture, meet new students, learn the language and taste amazing Chinese food. Looking back now, words cannot truly express all the beautiful sights and experiences I got to encounter. My time in China was amazing and would recommend any other student to go ahead and sign up for this program!”

– Roxana Tello, July 2016
McAllen, Texas, Sophomore, Civil Engineering Major / Department of Civil Engineering (College of Engineering & Computer Science)