Published July 13, 2025
Written by: Lahainah Digermo
The opportunity filled me with equal parts excitement and fear. When a three-month program opened for scholars at the University of Baguio, I was selected to experience the culture and education system of a partner university in China. Before my departure, anxiety crept in—China’s reputation for technological advancement and language differences loomed large in my mind. Questions swirled: How will I survive in this country alone? Can I truly enjoy this experience once I step far outside my comfort zone? But I took a deep breath and reminded myself to stay calm. As I boarded the plane, I realized this journey would test not only my adaptability but also my courage to grow beyond familiar boundaries.
My first week in China was overwhelming. Simple tasks like ordering food became challenging, and the lectures left me feeling lost. Our teacher showed us how to use Alipay and WeChat Pay, which helped with daily life. Slowly, I began to adapt, thanks to the orientation classes we attended. While language barriers remained in major subjects, my teachers were attentive and made sure I could still learn from the lessons. The school allowed us to experience various aspects of Chinese culture, including tea ceremonies, traditional Chinese medicine, and traditional clothing. We met different people from different countries, each sharing their unique perspectives and stories. Meeting people from different cultures became the best part of my trip. I learned that real understanding comes not just from books, but from talking and sharing with others.
It was not only an academic program but a lesson in resilience and finding a connection to a new culture. What started as a challenge of language and a foreign technology became a life-changing experience. I have adjusted with the help of my teachers and classmates, and as a result, found the beauty of moving beyond my comfort zone. This journey was a lesson that I learned: you can grow by facing challenges with an open mind and an open heart. I take these lessons into the present because it is time to go out in new opportunities with confidence and wonder.
