Photos taken by Audrey Pegouske (Kalamazoo College), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Fall 2025
The term “study abroad” has a certain ring to it, richly vibrant and intensely immersive, one that harkens in independent growth and vivid explorations of both culture and the classroom. However, the importance of settling in and being patient with yourself also comes with the experience, and cannot be overlooked when acclimating oneself to foreign foods, language learning, and ways of living.
Capital Normal University Campus
CNU’s (Capital Normal University) campus is a lush combination of green foliage and modern architecture. There are many places to walk and enjoy your time in nature between classes, or when walking to the outdoor courts, online delivery mailboxes, or the East Gate to venture out into the nearby city. This is my favorite area to stop by and get a taste of the sunshine: a circular courtyard lined with flowers in red hues, the color of luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.
During orientation week, CET students came together with Middlebury program students to partake in an epic scavenger hunt. We worked to collect photos around campus to get to know the area and our classmates, taking this photo in front of the East Gate of the campus.
The cafeteria provides a wide variety of dishes with a touch of local flavors. With three floors to choose from, I tend to gravitate towards the third, where you can get fragrant stir frys, noodles, and meat-filled steamed buns. I always ask for the spicy, option, their blend of spices makes every meal savory and satisfying.
It is easy to be afraid to venture out into the city, but it is crucial for feeling more secure in the city. Getting to know landmarks, such as this view of the Central TV & Radio Tower, can also ease your use of public transportation and on-foot navigation with a friend or two as you start to work down your must-see travel list.
Part of studying in China means a heavy emphasis on schoolwork and dedication to studying and group collaboration to improve fluency. When the 24/7 language pledge to only speak Chinese gets tiresome, my classmates and I will study together in the dorm lounge to better understand the day’s course content.
My classmates and teacher braved the rain to try 西北菜, or Northwestern cuisine, after a Friday exam. Taking our lessons outside of the classroom has made my learning more immersive and practical, as we use our knowledge of new vocabulary words and restaurant etiquette in an authentic setting.
Getting Acclimated
China prides itself on its modernized public amenities, and the best places to see these developments are the numerous shopping malls and public squares lined with skyscrapers and sleek lines. There is a perfect mix of stores selling modern fashion and amenities, traditional foods and teas, and modern fusion cuisines that entice every sense. My favorite is the dried fruit and flower teas that are a big part of traditional medicine, with each province having its own signature blends to balance the body’s natural ‘Qi’.
Walking along the Nanchang River during an evening out, we saw a lot of public activities that commonly occur here, encouraging exercise and community building. Oftentimes, older people will be dancing to music or teaching Tai Chi against a natural background. Pictured is a group of women waving long streamers as a form of enjoyment and movement.
Going out to try a modern take on traditional cuisine at 干杯 (Ganbei) with CNU roommates, Middlebury, and CET students. Having roommates that double as language partners makes trying new flavors much easier, as they help explain local dishes and customs.
Every Friday, we have 中文桌子, or a special lunch with our teachers, where we can discuss relevant topics and get to know our instructors. This photo was taken at the base floor of our school building, equipped with a lavish restaurant and food in all hues, after our second day of orientation. Dipping our toes in a vast sea of cuisines, I can’t wait to venture out into more diverse regions.
On a recent excursion to the 798 Art District, we were able to see abundant creations brimming from the doors of art galleries and with handmade goods. A lot about a culture can be said from its art, especially how it has progressed across time. The modern inclusion of older ink brush techniques truly reflects the ingenuity of the modern generation of artists, emphasizing personal expression still rooted in timeless methods of creativity.