Two years ago, I had the same feeling of excitement as I was preparing to depart on my adventures abroad. My first time in Shanghai did not disappoint my excitement--it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Two years later, I'm sitting here, anticipating the same kind of excitement, in a different kind of way. I'm going back to the IES Shanghai program this year as a Residential Adviser. My experience in Shanghai this time will definitely be different, but I still feel the same level of energy and itch as I did two years ago, to leave the States and go to Shanghai.
All the paperwork is done--I just picked up my passport from the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. They wouldn't give me a one-year, multiple entry visa like they did last time... instead, I was given a three-month, single entry visa. The supporting documents from Fudan said that I would only be there for one semester, so the Consulate had no business giving me a one-year visa. This just creates more paperwork for me and the program, because now I have to apply to extend my visa and then re-apply when I go back for Spring semester. In any case, I won't let it put a damper in my excitement.
Eli is coming out to California in three weeks. He's meeting up with us and we're taking a flight out to Shanghai together. I'm so excited for our journey. He will be the RA to the new Business program for IES (hosted by Shanghai University of Finance & Economics) and I will be the RA for the 21st Century program in Fudan. We're getting really antsy now and have been comparing notes and lists to see what we'll need to bring. Second time around should be less of a surprise... we now know what to expect.
A couple of our other IES Shanghai (c/o Fall 2008) classmates are already in Shanghai, working. We're very excited to meet up with them and catch up.
This month should whiz by! :)
