Abran Salas - Blog Abroad
TEAN: Semester in Shanghai
Blog #1
From the moment I arrived in China, I could tell I was entering a place where technology and tradition coexist in such an exciting way. The atmosphere here is vibrant and welcoming, and every day feels like an adventure. One of the first places that truly blew me away was “The Bund”. The sight of the bright red television tower, standing tall against the skyline, made me smile from ear to ear. It was unlike anything I’d seen in America—tall, illuminated, and bold. Even though I felt like a small speck in the sea of buildings, streets, and people, there was a magic to the place that I couldn’t quite put into words. At first, I was a little intimidated by the metro system. But with signs in both Chinese and English, it was much easier to navigate than I expected. It’s amazing how you can walk through a mall and suddenly find yourself at a metro station without missing a beat. The trains are quiet, organized, and incredibly efficient, making it a breeze to get around. One of the best parts of my time here so far has been the food. I got the chance to try a traditional Chinese pastry filled with red bean and egg. It was like a sweet, flaky little bun that blew me away with its flavor. I even took a cooking class where the instructor, despite speaking only Chinese, communicated so clearly through demonstrations. I was amazed by how easy it was to follow along and make these delicious pastries myself. Another unforgettable experience was attending a light festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year, specifically the Year of the Snake. The festival was full of stunning light displays that created such a beautiful atmosphere. Even though it was crowded, the excitement and energy were contagious, and it felt like being part of something truly special. During my first week, I also had the chance to visit one of China’s famous water towns. It was picturesque—full of history, old statues, and peaceful canals. The town was even decorated with pink roses for Valentine’s Day, adding to the charm. China is such a fascinating country, full of rich culture, history, and modern wonders. Although I’ve only begun to explore, I’m excited to see more and learn about everything this country has to offer. My experience here has been incredible so far, and I feel so welcomed by the warmth and kindness of the people.My First Impressions of China: A New Chapter Begins
Blog #2
This month in China has been an eye-opening experience. My university’s campus is very clean, with plenty of spaces for students to study and socialize. One event I attended was the club fair, where a wide variety of clubs gathered, offering students a chance to explore their social environments. There were many interesting clubs, but one that particularly caught my attention was the kitty-saving club. I see many stray cats on campus daily, and this club has shelters for them, giving each cat its own name. It’s heartwarming to see such care for the animals. During my time here, I also had the incredible opportunity to explore the Great Wall of China, a historical landmark that I find fascinating. I had three days to discover Beijing, which was a four-hour train ride from Shanghai. When I arrived, the warm sunlight greeted me, reminding me of home. We met our tour guide, who first took us to the Summer Palace, a beautiful landmark near the water with many historical relics. We spent a few hours exploring the area before enjoying the famous Beijing duck, which was delicious and full of flavor. On the second day, we visited the Forbidden City, home to even more historical relics and rich history. On our final day, we traveled to a village in Linchangucn, where we stayed overnight. The next morning, we woke up at 4 a.m. to go hiking. The Great Wall was immense, and after a 30-minute hike, we reached the top. We hiked further until sunset, which was a breathtaking view from the wall. We continued hiking for a few more hours before finally leaving. It was a truly proud moment in my life to stand at such a historic site—one of the most iconic landmarks in China. 
Blog #3
I recently had the chance to visit Wuhan, China, and it was a trip I’ll never forget. The city felt so different from other places I’ve been. It has its own special way of showing Chinese culture, and I found that really interesting and beautiful. When I first arrived, I was amazed by how bright the city looked at night. Lights were everywhere—on buildings, bridges, and even boats on the river. The colors changed and made the whole city look alive. People were out walking, dancing, and enjoying the evening. It felt exciting but also peaceful, like everyone was just happy to be outside. As well as being able to meet locals there which were all very kind and welcoming to foreigners. One of the most special places I visited was the Yellow Crane Tower. It’s a very old and famous tower that stands on a hill, and you can see it from far away. When I walked up to it, I was impressed by how big and beautiful it was. Inside the tower, each floor has paintings, poems, and stories from hundreds of years ago. It was amazing to see how much history is still alive there. From the top, the view of the river and city was breathtaking. Wuhan really surprised me. I didn’t know much about it before visiting, but now I see how much it has to offer. It’s a place where the old and the new come together in a perfect way. You can enjoy modern city life and also learn about China’s deep history. The people were kind, the food was delicious, and the city left a strong impression on me.I recommend visiting Wuhan if you are ever visiting China. I personally would love to spend more time if the opportunity was ever offered. 
Blog #4
One of the best overall experiences I have had in Shanghai is the many different foods which I have been given the opportunity to taste. Food in China has a very unique taste and although there is still McDonald’s, it is very different and not something which China is known best for. Something which I enjoy here in Shanghai is their hot pot. I can eat so much of this food and the sauce which is special for everyone due to your own choices. I really enjoy the peanut butter oils which enhance the flavor of the lamb or tofu which are ordered. Rice and noodles also have a major impact in Chinese cuisines served with almost every meal. I tend to enjoy rice, considering I am always satisfied and it commonly tastes the same throughout all of China. Beef noodles are also very common throughout China, due to the rise of Islamic religions in China, which are very yummy noodles. Another common meal one can find in China is street food, which can range from multiple different cuisines. These meals are common, although I do not know the names of the foods. I think they are all very tasty and I personally find all of them unique tastes and vibrant flavors. A local student whom I met explained to me that most of the street foods are from other provinces although, in my opinion, Wuhan has better street foods. Overall, there still are some great food options in Shanghai. One example is this food composed of a tortilla with egg inside and noodles, which reminds me almost of home like a southwestern burrito. Another perk of street food is it is also very cheap. The price of this was only 6 RMB which is about 83 cents USD. Although food in this region and part of the world is not similar to food in America, it's “the little things” which honestly make me feel at home. 
Blog #5
Hello again, When I first arrived in Shanghai, I found it difficult to connect with others. However, over time, I’ve been able to meet people with whom I can truly bond. These friendships have not only helped me feel more at home but have also taught me more about Chinese culture and language than I ever could have learned on my own. As someone who is naturally shy, this experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve become more open to social opportunities and now rarely say no to hanging out with someone, even if we aren’t particularly close. My time in Shanghai has helped me grow personally, challenging and changing parts of myself that were once hard to confront. Despite having lived here for several months, I still know very little Chinese. This has forced me to rely more on context clues and nonverbal communication. When ordering food, for example, I often take a picture of the menu or simply point to what I want. People are generally understanding and patient, recognizing that I’m a foreigner and trying my best. The staff I encounter are usually kind and helpful, knowing when to ask questions or use a translator app to assist. Moving to a new country can be intimidating, but it’s also been incredibly eye-opening. I’ve heard stories from people with vastly different lives and backgrounds, and made friendships I never expected. Living in Shanghai has shown me just how important human connection is and how much it can shape our understanding of the world. This experience has shifted my perspective not only on life in China, but also on life back in America. It’s helped me develop greater empathy and a deeper appreciation for different ways of living. I’ve learned to see things from others’ points of view and to value the diversity of experiences that exist across cultures.June 2025
Blog #6
June 2025 Welcome back to my blog! As I have been studying abroad in Shanghai, China, it has been an amazing experience. Shanghai is a huge city with tall buildings, lots of people, and many things to see and do. It’s very different from my home, but that’s what makes it so exciting. It is a busy city. I am going to miss this so much when I leave. There are always cars, bikes, and people everywhere. At night, the buildings light up and the city looks beautiful, especially near the Bund. There are small restaurants on every street, and I love trying new places with my friends. They constantly make me try new dishes which I have never heard of. I’ve even started liking foods I didn’t think I would enjoy. The food is full of flavor and every meal feels like a new adventure. I’ve also learned to use chopsticks much better since coming here! The city is easy to travel in, thanks to the subway, which me and my friends constantly take together to travel around to different cities. The trains are fast, clean, and simple to use. Everything here is also very cheap, which you should consider during your travels abroad. This means I can spend more and save more at the same time! I’ve bought cool souvenirs, snacks, and clothes without spending too much money. Studying in Shanghai has helped me grow and become more confident. I’ve learned how to live in a new place, meet new people, and solve problems on my own. If you get the chance to study abroad, I really recommend it. Shanghai is full of energy, culture, and adventure and although many countries in Asia are similar China has a special spark. I will always remember this experience. It has been one of the best times of my life.
Blog #7
Welcome back to my blog! One thing I really love about China is how much attention they give to small details, especially in parks and shopping malls. When you walk through a park in China, you often see fun statues, colorful signs, and cute characters. These are not just placed randomly, they are part of a theme. Some parks are made to look like fairy tales, others might show animals, or have designs that match local stories. It makes walking around more fun and interesting. Shopping malls in China also feel special. They are not just places to shop. Many of them have big statues of animals like giraffes, pandas, or cartoon characters. Some even have small playgrounds, fun decorations, or photo spots that kids and adults can enjoy. These extra touches make the mall feel more alive and exciting. You don’t just go there to buy things, you go for the experience. This is honestly bad in a way because it makes me want to shop more as I want to see the different displays at different malls. What I find most amazing is how much thought they put into everything. They try to make every part of a space look nice and feel welcoming. It’s clear that they care about how people feel when they visit. To me, it shows a love for beauty and creativity in everyday life. Back home, I don’t see this as much anymore. Parks and malls are often more plain. They do their job, but they don’t always have the same charm or fun feeling. I think that’s why I notice it so much in China. The extra effort to make spaces beautiful and fun is something I really admire. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy visiting and why those places stay in my memory. June 2025
Blog #8
