Being able to take part in a foreign exchange program is a privilege that I deeply appreciate. On one hand, I experienced fear as I had to adjust to a new environment with a different language and culture. On the other hand, I felt excitement because this presented a wonderful opportunity to acquire experience and knowledge that could expand my horizons.

Wuxi, a city situated in Jiangsu Province, China, presents a captivating blend of traditional Chinese cultural heritage and swiftly evolving modern allure. Upon our initial arrival in Wuxi, the school organized a city tour for us, during which we visited various places including Wuxi Museum, Wuxi Studios, and Huishan Ancient Town. During this trip, we learned about the history and culture that influence the daily lives of the local people.

At first, communicating with people here, especially the local students, was challenging due to our limited Mandarin and their limited English proficiency. However, alongside our regular coursework, we received Mandarin language course, enabling us to gradually engage in conversations with the local students by practicing what we learned in class. The Wuxi Institute of Technology arranged numerous activities throughout our stay, enhancing our opportunities to interact with the local students. These activities included the Mid-Autumn Festival, Sport Meetings, Introduction and registration for WXIT extracurricular activities, Anniversary Celebration, Dormitory group expansion activities, and Opera Carnivals. The local students displayed great enthusiasm towards us. They were kind, friendly, and hardworking.

Moreover, there is an organization here known as the Indonesian Student Association of China (PPIT) Wuxi branch, with members dispersed across multiple campuses in Wuxi. The Wuxi Institute of Technology has the largest number of Indonesian students among other campuses, totaling 44 individuals. Upon our initial arrival, they were incredibly supportive, assisting us with campus orientation, obtaining Chinese SIM cards, acquiring student identification cards, and various other tasks.

In addition to emphasizing academics, this campus offers extracurricular programs that cater to students’ diverse talents and interests. At that time, I was keen on joining the Tennis Club. All the necessary facilities were readily available, we simply had to show up and play. Through this, I engaged extensively with the local students. Furthermore, experiences beyond the campus, such as strolling around the city, visiting tourist attractions, and taking part in local cultural activities, constituted an essential and enriching aspect of my time here.

Overall, my student exchange experience in Wuxi, China, was not only about academic learning but also about self-discovery, encountering new experiences and cultures, fostering cross-cultural friendships, mutual learning, and forging indelible memories.