In the summer of 2018 I had the chance to go back to China for the second time through the Study Abroad program “Greater China” hosted by the UTRGV IPP Office and School of Art. The program offered me a platform to build up my personal, academic, and professional careers, serving as a medium for first-hand learning experience. Traveling throughout China from big cities to small traditional townships, has allow me to experience the Chinese culture in various ways. Such as, learning Mandarin language at Shanghai University, walking around night markets trying exotic food, getting to explore landmarks, and documenting with my camera life in motion.
The most remarkable experience in this travel was to complete an one-month internship at Leo Burnett Shanghai branch, one of the top five advertising agencies in the world. Therefore, I had the opportunity to work hand to hand with the marketing and creative team responsible for McDonald’s advertising in China. Collaborating with two other UTRGV graphic design students; we developed several projects during the internship like sketching ideas for Mc Gift Cards, re-designing the Hallowing campaign, and exploring the art direction of seasonal soft drinks. The Leo Burnett internship stimulated my approach to the visual communications, graphic design, art direction and marketing. It also served as a practical introduction to the design industry and the contemporary business world.
– Arael Meza, / Graphic Design – Senior, August 2018
Having already traveled to China as a part of the UTRGV study abroad program, my time there was even more spectacular the second time around.
This year I had the opportunity to intern with Leo Burnett Shanghai. This experience is unparalleled to any I’ve had back home. As a commuting student, dorming and traveling through metro to get there was even more exciting for me. I’ve created connections with friends I’ll have for years to come and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. I encourage everyone to take a leap and travel abroad!– Ariadny Balderas / Graphic Design – Senior, August 2018
I’m so glad I got the opportunity to study abroad in China and experience a different culture while also having the chance to see amazing historical sights. From the ancient towns in Beijing to the modern city of Shanghai, all of the places we got to visit were breathtaking! We went on multiple hikes; one of which was to the Great Wall of China at Shimatai. I had grown up seeing it in history books not knowing that one day I would have the chance to experience it firsthand. The whole trip was incredible!
I took Digital photography class which was one of the courses that was offered as part of the program and also took Chinese I in Shanghai University. I also had the amazing opportunity to intern with the company Leo Burnett in Shanghai. As a Graphic Design and Marketing major I knew that this experience abroad would benefit me greatly by giving me professional experience in the graphic design field.
Undoubtedly, this trip wouldn’t have been possible without the Gilman scholarship I received. I was lucky to be chosen as one of the recipients who gets selected for this prestigious scholarship. I’m grateful to Dr. Ping who encouraged me to sign up for this trip and apply for the scholarship. This study abroad trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. I already can’t wait to travel back to China.
– Lorelei Lopez / Graphic Design & Marketing – Junior, August 2018
While studying abroad has been something that I have always wanted to experience, I never thought I would have the opportunity this early in my academic years. Towards the end of my second semester as a freshman in college, I was introduced to the Study Abroad Program in China. Not only will this program give me credit for courses that will contribute to my major, such as Digital Photography and Individual Probs: Internship, but it would also take place across the country. It definitely seemed like a great opportunity for me. There was many questions and doubts as to how exactly it was going to be possible for me to participate in this program, but I finally decided to take part in this experience.
As a graphic design major, I was able to engage myself in a real working environment while interning in the McCann company. As an intern, I had the opportunity to incorporate myself in a portion of what I should expect my future career to be like. Although it was for a short amount of time, this internship was a way to “get my feet wet” in the giant pool of the graphic design industry. Taking this internship allowed me to learn and gain some advice from actual graphic designers. I even had the opportunity to experience one of their meetings with a current customer for their newest commercial, which was a very interesting experience. Spending a full month in the city of Shanghai allowed me to familiarize myself more with the city. By the time we knew it, we were able to take the metro on our own and explore the city at our own pace. China, being a very different country located across the Pacific Ocean and with very different customs compared to the United States, was even better than I had expected it to be. I had always wanted to travel in the past, and having China as my first ever trip destination was the best decision to ever make. Although the majority of the program was dedicated to studying, it also gave us a chance to explore and learn more about China and its people. I was able to meet a lot of different people from both my school and China. Being able to be part of this program allowed me to expand my boundaries both as a student and as a person. From learning about the Chinese culture to studying a foreign language and to even climbing the Great Wall, it was truly an experience I’ll never forget.”
– Ashley Garcia / Graphic Design – Sophomore, August 2018
Peering outside my window and observing the beauty of Shanghai’s vibrant city lights from the 25th floor etched a permanent memory in my mind’s eye. My internship was something I could have only dreamt of. China was poetry. The views China had to offer were breathtaking, and the people were unforgettably kind. Getting professional experience at McCann Worldgroup was one of the many incredible moments I encountered during my study abroad trip, some of them include: our excursions to world-known hot spots and locally known destinations, the train rides, the delicious food, touring the city with friends, and learning about Chinese culture first hand, among many other details. As a graphic design student, I had the freedom to shoot pictures of the beauty and drama that surrounded me, from daytime mountain ranges to animated nightlife. Being alongside my group of talented buddies, I couldn’t help but feel motivated because I was able to see other people’s artistic visions and learn through trial and error. If you’re worried about the applications, the cost of the trip, or are still slightly confused about China… don’t be! China is stunning, a safe place to visit, scholarships are available, you’ll make many special connections, and it’s something I’d truly do all over again in a heartbeat!”
UTRGV Study Abroad in China was a wonderful experience. Being my first time outside the country, the beauty and exoticness of the country had me in awe. From climbing endless flights stairs to have the payoff of such a wonderful view of The Great Wall, to exploring remote towns and cities in the countryside, and wandering all around the bustling city of Shanghai was a dream come true. Not only did it expand my outlook on the world, but the way I go about life.
I also had the pleasure of interning at McCann Worldgroup in Shanghai. It is one of the best marketing companies in the world. Me along with 2 others were able to pitch ideas, make suggestions and research for campaigns that the company was working on. So being able to see how such a professional and top-rated company in my field does their work is such a great honor and benefit, that I’m sure will be able to help me find jobs in the future.
– Jorge Villarreal / Graphic Design – Senior, August 2018
The trip to China was the best opportunity to make the best out of my photography skills in a great country with its beautiful landscapes and cities. We went deep into China’s culture, its language and we got to know more about the people and their every day lives. The Great Wall, the city of Hengyang and the international city of Shanghai made the trip an unforgettable one. I immortalized these moments and culture with photographs. We took pictures in many areas of China. I highly recommend to anybody to participate in the program, it does not only help your photography skills, but it also helps you to understand Chinese culture and its people.
– Jorge Sanchez / Kinesiology – Freshman, August 2018
The group of China trip included, front row from left: Arael Meza, Jorge Villarreal, Ann Jacobo, Jorge Sanchez and Ariadny Balde. Standing, from left: Sarah Torres, Ashley Garcia, Lorelei Lopez, Bernadette Breidenbach, Prof. Ping Xu, Prof. Robert Gilbert, Stephanie Torres, and Cal Ramos.