Recent Highlights

Ok so I know it's been a while since my last blog and ALOT has gone on since, so I figured that I'll discuss some recent highlights instead of trying to backtrack three-four weeks. If you have any questions about my adventures in Shanghai and Beijing, then post a comment.

I started classes last week. After checking several classes out and subsequently dropping three of them, I decided to stick with three courses: Mandarin, Southeast Asia & the World Political Economy, and History of Modern China. Mandarin is my favorite class of the three because, of course, one of my main goals is to familiarize myself with Putonghua. My class on Southeast Asia is also cool because the professor just rambles on and on about random facts about the region. I'm not sure if there's a particular topic that he wants to cover in each class; he just talks about whatever. And my History of Modern China class is seriously like watching the History Channel. I LOVE it! You know how those old researchers on the History Channel tell random stories about ancient emperors and etc., as if they were there when it happened? That's how my professor is. And he has a British accent, which makes the class even more engaging.



Now for a few recent highlights:

I'm interning with Horwath for five weeks beginning in April! For those of you that don't know, Horwath is a major hospitality consulting firm, and has offices throughout Asia. This internship is actually part of my study abroad program; during the last five weeks, you either pursue an internship or independent study project. I could work for them during at least half of the summer if I wanted to, but they only give a stipend of HK$4000/month (around $500 US). And NO housing! I really would like to stay in Asia, but I have to find a company that's giving out that $$$$$!

I'm going to Macau on Sunday! Macau is a small city about an hour ferry ride away from Hong Kong, known for Portuguese colonial buildings as well as a casino strip now larger than that of Las Vegas! I really wanna check out the scene there, even though gambling is really not my thing. I never quite found it fun to lose money, but maybe that's just me. I'll be sure to take pics!