IRENE NEMESIOBROWN UNIVERSITY, CLASS OF 2012

Over the past several years, I've cultivated a unique relationship with China. From spending several months in Dalian, to traveling to the country's major cities of Beijing and Shanghai, I've become a self-proclaimed expert on all things China. I've learned how to navigate the densely-populated area, adapt to a cultural setting vastly different from my own, and communicate well-enough to live day-to-day in the country. These past experiences have been the special lens which allows me to appreciate my experience in Wuhan so much more. This summer marked my 2nd year of attendance at the Wuhan University International Exchange Camp of Student Organizations. As a result, the trip's significance proved less to do with the thrill of being in a foreign country: visiting historical landmarks, participating in local traditions, or tasting new cuisines. I had been fortunate enough to have participated in cuisines. I had been fortunate enough to have participated in these cultural explorations before, though I’ll admit that no matter how times I visit China, I am always surprised and fascinated by new diversities. Instead, against the backdrop of my growing familiarity with the area, one aspect of the trip highlighted itself among the rest: the people. The connections I made with the participants in the camp, from China, the United States and all around the world, truly made the difference, adding immeasurable worth to my summer experience and undergraduate career overall.

As I look back on the week I spent in Wuhan, I am amazed by how profound an impact the students I met on trip made on me. For some, the time turned into a reunion with the students I met during the previous year’s camp. For others, new friendships flourished as if time stood still. No matter the case, what struck me most was each student’s complete acceptance and extended welcome to us, despite our foreignness and various national divarious national differences.

Their kindness stretched much further than merely engaging in conversation or sharing a meal with us, but also demonstrated incredible generosity and selflessness. Even when our hosts spent hours tirelessly preparing for camp activities or finishing complex translations for key ceremonies, of which we only witnessed a slight glimpse of several laboring months, they still would enthusiastically offer to take us to explore the citexplore the city, find souvenirs, hang out in the hotel, or sing a few songs with us at the local KTV.

In these interactions, I’ve found, lies the real importance of engaging in international exchange. In our ability to cross physical borders and learn to respect cultural differences, individuals may indeed become unified in our humanity. My experience in Wuhan helped to solidify this principle for me.

With that, having coordinated this trip for The Ivy Council this summer, I must recognize those who helped make this unique experience possible. First, on behalf of The Ivy Council, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the departments at Wuhan University as well as Brown University’s Office of the President, Dean of the College, and Office of International Affairs for providing financial support to the program. Lastly, a warm thanks to all the students and volunteers of the 2nd thanks to all the students and volunteers of the 2nd Wuhan University International Exchange of Student Organizations. We truly admire your incredible work and hospitality, finding encouragement in the fact that our encounters with you all will surely extend into the future.