T he allure of a land distant and exotic has captured the imaginations of two CAC students: Monique Irish and Socorro Carillo. If you are a regular Cactus reader, these names may sound familiar. If they do, it is because both students are Cactus reporters. If you flash back to last fall’s October edition, you may remember reading two articles pertaining to the Chinese Exchange program, written, fittingly, by Monique and Socorro. The idea must have been particularly alluring to these two adventurous journalism majors because now it is their turn to partake in this glorious opportunity.

“The allure is in the opportunity itself!” says Monique, who is equal amounts nervous and excited about the upcoming trip. “Spending five months in a world so different from anything and everything I have known up to this point in my life, to be immersed in a place so rich in history, culture, exotic wildlife, beautiful landscapes… I can’t help but think ‘Pinch me, I’m dreaming!’” “I’m excited about all of the doors that are going to open from this expansive experience, or series of experiences to come.” She continues. “I plan on pursuing a career as a photojournalist and I feel like this is a good opportunity to become well rounded in certain aspects when it comes to the realm of traveling, and to adjusting to cultural difference while learning to appreciate and embrace diversity on all levels.”

“I’m excited about all of the doors that are going to open from this expansive experience, or series of experiences to come.” She continues. “I plan on pursuing a career as a photojournalist and I feel like this is a good opportunity to become well rounded in certain aspects when it comes to the realm of traveling, and to adjusting to cultural difference while learning to appreciate and embrace diversity on all levels.”

For Socorro, the allure is rooted in her choice of career, as well. “Given my current career choice, the question really should be, why not China? I would like to become a Foreign Service Officer for the Department of State, and China is one of the United States’ most important relationships. So this time over there as an American, and as someone who would like to work in diplomacy for a living, is truly a dream come true.”

Near the middle of March (conveniently in the midst of the Chinese New Year) Monique and Socorro will head out across the Pacific to spend five months studying at Northeastern University in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Over this time, they will be required to take three courses, which consist of a reading class, a writing class, and a speaking class, all of which focus on learning the Chinese language. “… I believe it is Mandarin,” said Monique when asked about which dialect she was to learn. “I would be lying if I said I am not a little intimidated.”

Apart from learning to read, write, and speak a Chinese dialect, students within this study abroad program will be required to undertake an independent study research project. This project requires that students choose and research an approved topic pertaining to Chinese culture. “I have taken the philosophy class and the world religions class here and I really enjoyed them and took particular interest in those of Asian origin. Buddhism, Taoism/Daoism, and Confucianism intrigued me the most,” Monique told us on the topic. “I want to do something pertaining to learning more about them in depth through experience and practicing them for a month or so at a time. Hopefully, I can tie that in to visiting the temples of each chosen denomination after I have thoroughly familiarized myself with them; that way, I can fully appreciate exactly what it is that I will hopefully have the pleasure of seeing.”

While Monique aims to study eastern religion and philosophy, Socorro would like to focus on the more socio-cultural aspects of China. “My major is journalism and mass communications with a broader focus on international relations. I would like to do an observational project studying the media relations and law in another country; not necessarily comparative but just letting everything sink in on how another culture deals with the connection between the public and the media.”

Traveling to foreign and faraway places is often an exciting, yet ominous, prospect for many people. With there being many cultural differences between every country, there is much to be nervous about. For Monique, it will be the difference in diet and how one conducts one’s self when offered food. “During the initial interview, I was warned of the bizarre foods I may encounter. I was also warned that, as a guest, we are culturally indentured to eat whatever honorable dish we are gifted with to prevent harsh insult. Should I be honored with a dish, it would also be considered offensive to add salt to the food. Being a vegetarian, and a sodium fiend, this should be interesting to say the least; for I am both curious and excited to see what I will come across!”

Upon returning from China, Monique and Soccoro will both be responsible for sharing their experiences with the college, as well as the broader community. When Monique was asked about how she plans on going about this task, she told us that she planned to share them while in China. Throughout her trip, Monique plans on publishing tales of her overseas exploits, through The Cactus newspaper. “I realize how fortunate I am to take part in this arrangement, and I want to share as much as I can with those who do not have this same opportunity in common.”

It is also worth mentioning that Monique is currently searching for those interested in contributing to her crowd funding campaign via Indiegogo. All the money that she raises will go towards funding her adventures outside of Northeastern University in Shenyang. “I invite those interested to take a step further and join me on personal journeys, as well. Those who make a contribution to my campaign can live vicariously through me, as their kind contributions have allowed me to make these ambitious endeavors possible.” Anyone interested in contributing to Monique’s crowd funding campaign should go to http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/epic-moe-ments-in-china for more information.

In a nearly a month, these two Cactus reporters will head off for a land both exotic and mysterious. While there, they will explore and learn about a culture quite different from our own. So, let us wish them farewell and safe travels until the day they return safely back to us!