Colorado State University Opened a Window to the World for Me

By Qianhong Quan | PhD Student, Central China Normal University, China; Visiting Scholar, Colorado State University, U.S.

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, I completed my one-and-a-half-year visiting scholar program at CSU and returned to China. Reflecting on my time there, it was truly a colorful and enlightening experience. CSU opened a window to the world for me, exposing me to America’s grand landscapes and diverse cultures, and enriching my worldview.

My advisor and friend, Dr. David, was like a ray of warm sunshine and helped me a lot. He always guided us to discover the beauty, cuisine, and interesting activities in Colorado, making me fall in love with Colorado. Dr. David continually encouraged me to socialize in English and to give lectures to American students, which significantly boosted my confidence in English communication. I’m especially grateful to Dr. David for giving me the opportunity to join a study project of U.S. National Parks in May 2024. Our team traveled across Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming to study various protected areas operating at local, state, and national levels. I was deeply impressed by the emphasis on conservation, authenticity, and public welfare in the U.S. National Parks, in particular.

CSU is truly international, with students coming from around the world. While there, I had the opportunity to chat with friends from diverse cultures, experiencing the collision and fusion of different ethnicities. My roommate in the CSU apartment was an Indian student, and I came to know and understand Indian culture because of her. Living with my roommate made me realize how huge the differences between cultures are. Fortunately, we got along well and developed a strong friendship. It seems that sincerity and kindness can bridge any cultural divide.

During my study and life at CSU, I also noticed significant differences in the mindset of American and Chinese students. American students are generally more independent and take personal responsibility for their studies and lives. Conversely, Chinese students often rely more on guidance from teachers and parents. This independence is seen in how American students join classroom discussions and pick activities. They often ask questions and take part eagerly. In contrast, Chinese students tend to be quieter and more cautious. These differences impact their course and career choices. For example, American students often choose their majors based on their own interests and goals. Chinese students, however, are more influenced by what their families and society expect. This independent thinking makes American students more adaptable and creative when dealing with challenges and opportunities.

Throughout my time in the U.S., I witnessed snowy mountains, forests, canyons, beaches, and more. The magnificent natural scenery in the U.S. left me in awe. Standing in such vast landscapes, I realized how small we are as humans. At the same time, I drew strength from nature. Life is so brilliant – may we all bloom to the fullest.

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