My name is Lizzie Utset and I am majoring in International Studies and Chinese Studies at the University of South Carolina. I will graduate in May 2017 with Leadership Distinction in Global Learning. I hope to use this space to explore my within and beyond the classroom learning experiences as a Gamecock and as a study abroad student at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China. Ultimately, I would like to apply what I have learned to how I envision it helping my in future plans after graduation: Serving as a Secondary Education English Teacher for Peace Corps China.
Studying abroad gave me a way to apply my learning in various Chinese, political science, history, and anthropology classes in contexts far beyond the confines of a classroom in the United States. My study abroad experience truly broadened my perspectives and challenged many of my preconceived notions about China and my own identity. After spending two years reading articles and discussing theories among fellow American students and professors, I was afforded an opportunity to explore and experience Chinese political culture, history, social issues, and more firsthand in China, among Chinese peers and other international students. After living, working, studying, and traveling for almost 11 months in three very different Chinese cities- Shanghai, Chengdu, and Nantong- I was determined to move back to China after graduation to continue learning Chinese, about the country in general, and about myself.
In this portfolio, I will describe three Key Insights I have gained through my learning experiences within and beyond my classrooms at the University of South Carolina. These insights reflect on issues of homelessness, food security, and patriotism across United States and Chinese cultural contexts. The leadership section outlines my plan to build on my international community service and leadership experiences as an English teacher in underserved Chinese universities, specifically by incorporating hands-on and experiential learning methods into my English classes.
Studying abroad gave me a way to apply my learning in various Chinese, political science, history, and anthropology classes in contexts far beyond the confines of a classroom in the United States. My study abroad experience truly broadened my perspectives and challenged many of my preconceived notions about China and my own identity. After spending two years reading articles and discussing theories among fellow American students and professors, I was afforded an opportunity to explore and experience Chinese political culture, history, social issues, and more firsthand in China, among Chinese peers and other international students. After living, working, studying, and traveling for almost 11 months in three very different Chinese cities- Shanghai, Chengdu, and Nantong- I was determined to move back to China after graduation to continue learning Chinese, about the country in general, and about myself.
In this portfolio, I will describe three Key Insights I have gained through my learning experiences within and beyond my classrooms at the University of South Carolina. These insights reflect on issues of homelessness, food security, and patriotism across United States and Chinese cultural contexts. The leadership section outlines my plan to build on my international community service and leadership experiences as an English teacher in underserved Chinese universities, specifically by incorporating hands-on and experiential learning methods into my English classes.
My Study Abroad Adventure
China: Shanghai, Huangshan, Hongcun, Guangzhou, Guilin, Yangshuo, Kenting (Taiwan), Hualien (Taiwan), Jiufen (Taiwan), Taipei (Taiwan), Nanjing, Wuzhen, Jiuzhaigou, Dali, Shaxi, Shangri-la, Nantong, Hong Kong, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Beijing
Thailand: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Khao Sok, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Pai
Myanmar (Burma): Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Bagan, Yangon
Thailand: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Khao Sok, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Pai
Myanmar (Burma): Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Bagan, Yangon