Ryan Douglas

Ryan studied in China on the CIEE: Shanghai, Summer Business and Culture program during the Summer of 2015.

If you could give only one reason, why would you suggest other students study abroad?

Studying abroad is an opportunity that you will not be normally afforded. Take advantage of it while you can! Also it looks GREAT on a resume, I also made very valuable business contacts during my time away!

If you could go abroad again, what would you do differently?

I would certainly stay abroad as long as possible. You will of course come back to the states but it is awesome to get away and get immersed in another culture and learn to speak the language.

What specific factors influenced your decision to go abroad?

Personally, me achieving the goal of going was a bigger deal to me than actually going to China. I knew I would love the trip, but I had to raise the money to go on my own, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it!

What concerns/fears did you have about studying abroad, and how did you overcome them?

I did not think I would at all be able to adjust to being in China, mainly because of the lanugage barrier. I learned as much mandarin as possible before I went and while I was there I took classes in mandarin and after a while me and the other American students had it figured out! I think I was more concerned because I had no idea what to expect. I would suggest everyone go there and be 100% open minded to what comes their way! DO BE SCARED!

What was it about your program specifically that fit your personal goals over other programs?

The program was aimed at business. As a business major and as China emerging as the world economic power I knew that I wanted to study and understand business in that culture.

How have you used the skills you learned abroad now that you are back; either in job searching, or in other activities?

I have certainly used the fact that I was the first student to study abroad in Shanghai China to make me stand out in interviews. I have even decided to pursue mandarin as a second language. While I still have MUCH work to do it truly is great to be able to say on an application that you are familiar with a second language.

What experiences did you have while studying abroad that you feel you could not have had if you had stayed at Penn State?

Visiting the great wall of China for sure. Also being able to go to the Yellow mountains was probably my favorite experience. After a very LONG hike up the mountains and back down we went to what could be considered a Chinese resort and SPA and It was extremely relaxing and a lot of fun!

What advice would you give to outbound study abroad students to help them make the most out of their study abroad experiences?

Plan finances based on, what you will spend per day on food. Be sure you know how much food costs out there and then what the conversion rate of your dollar to their dollar is. You do not want to go to a country where you dollar is undervalued and then you end up not having as much as you thought.