By: Joseph Kao

There are so many spots around the world to visit when you think about it. People travel to famous tourist places, like Europe, or go to Africa to watch the animals. But, the area I would not want to miss would be China.

My aunt used to live in China, but I have not yet experienced China. It is a goal of mine to travel there when I grow up because of how the country has developed throughout the years. China is one of the strongest countries next to the U.S., and that’s why I want to become an intern for Next Step China and actually work in China next summer.

Here are some reasons why I would want to visit China at least once in the span of my lifetime.

First of all, there is so much culture present in that country. My family has been watching these documentaries that portray what happened during the dynasty era. That inspires me to go experience the Chinese way of life and experience historic sites, like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army.

Another reason I want to experience China is to taste the food! I am in love with Chinese food because there is such a variety available. Chinese food can include fish, different kinds of meat, vegetables, mushroom, noodles, dumplings and almost anything you can think of. Beats a plate of burger and fries any day! I bet that the Chinese restraunts we have here in the U.S. are nothing like what they have in China, and that’s why I have the desire to try their traditional dishes.

Lastly, I think if I was able to study abroad in China, it would really benefit me to see a separate side of the world and give me a jump start in University. At the same time, I would get to immerse myself in the day-to-day lives and routines of the locals. As a person who has already learned the Chinese language, going to China for a period of time would help me with my speaking/writing skills. Going to China would also help me with my resume because not many people have the opportunity to study abroad in another country.

I think it would be fun to become an exchange student in the future and get paired up with a host family there. Letting a local family take me around to see the beautiful landscapes and explore the great wonders of the country is one of the adventures I look forward to most. So, China is definitely a place I need to check off my bucket list!

What about you? I would be interested to hear your reason(s) why you would like to go to China! You can even send me an email to [email protected] to tell me about it!