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Student name: Ms. Julie Seaward
Nationality: American
Time in Global Exchange Center: 8 weeks from 3rd. Mar. 2015
Life in Beijing has been really exciting, a much different pace than where we are both from, a mid-sized city in Michigan (USA).
I have really appreciated the thorough language courses we have been taking. Our instructor Linda is very patient, and I absolutely love learning the history and stories of the traditional Chinese characters, and how they’ve been transformed into the simplified versions. In this short amount of time, we have also learned a lot about Chinese history, symbolism, and cultural customs (and how to respond to them in Chinese).
This has been such a gainful experience for my work as an artist. I was worried I would be pressured into spending too much time producing work, and not enough time experiencing life in Beijing. But, as Michael said, we are using this time to gain inspiration to make work later.
My work right now is primarily focused on multiculturalism, and how globalism and materialism are transforming spaces and erasing cultures. You can see it visibly on the busy streets and never-ending traffic, the tall buildings amidst old Hutongs and Dynasty temples, but the more interesting nuances I’ve learned just by people-watching (which can never get boring here) and the long conversations I have had with people I have just met.
I find myself constantly taking notes, photos, and absorbing the wealth of information and new ideas like a sponge. I am going to have a lot of material to sift through when I get home. I am very thankful for my experiences so far, and the people I have met through GL Exchange.
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