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I went to China through BSA during the summer of 2007.  It was an amazing and eye opening experience.  In undergrad, I concentrated on East Asian history and therefore I felt it would be imperative for me to experience China first hand.  I am so thankful that I was able to matriculate through that journey in a program where I was surrounded by minority students.  There are a few adversities that you may encounter as a minority student abroad and particularly in Asian countries.  Having a strong network and a small community to work through these problems with you makes all the difference.  Currently, I am living in Taiwan under a Fulbright grant.  There are very few people here that look like me and I often catch gazes of curiosity.  If I did not have my previous experience in Beijing with BSA, I would have probably taken more offense to these stares.  I now understand more about the culture and some underline reasons for their strong curiosity. Brittany N., Spelman College, 2008 My study abroad in Beijing was truly a unique and unforgettable experience. Through the BSA Program, I was given this extraordinary opportunity to study Chinese and work for a Chinese NGO--Free the Children Organization. The BSA Program’s resources and support of the staff members empowered me to quickly grasp the language. Within a couple of months I was speaking mandarin and writing Chinese characters. The Program fully introduces its students to the Chinese culture as well as expands students view of themselves and the world. My entire experience in Beijing is filled with great memories. I am filled with joy and take great pride to have been a student of the BSA Program. Mike R., State University of New York-- Geneseo, 2007 Living in Beijing was one of the more interesting and entertaining adventures of my life. Beijing is a very international city, so much so, it is common to sit at a table with people from more than 4 countries speaking several different languages at any given time. I must say that this melting pot if I should use that term, provided me with some of the most memorable experiences, which I will cherish for the rest of my life. From trying new foods to hanging out with the locals there is never a dull moment. In my short time there I met many phenomenal people who each have their own fascinating stories that in some way have touched my life. Every time I travel to someplace new I always find that there is so much that I have never seen, and it inspires me to want to travel even more. Beijing is such an amazing place, it has helped me to grow up and learn to appreciate the way that other cultures live. Thanks to BSA I have gained a wealth of experiences that have matured and shaped me into a better and stronger person. I strongly implore anyone who is given the opportunity to visit Beijing to go, and add their own yarn to this cultural tapestry.  Mike L., Huston-Tillotson University, 2007 China was the last place that I expected to be last summer. I didn’t speak any Mandarin, I did not know anything about Chinese history, and I was not really interested in international business.  As a biology, pre-veterinary major, I thought that I should spend my summer in a country like Costa Rica that is known for its rainforest preservation and its wildlife.  But when I heard about the BSA Minority Study Abroad program through one of my history professors at Spelman College, I could not resist what seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to such a unique city like Beijing, China.  To my surprise, BSA was able to get me an internship in my field of interest, veterinary medicine.  I spent time observing and working with students at the China Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.  I also had the chance observe a few surgical procedures at a British operated clinic in Beijing.  While working at my internship, I took beginner Mandarin classes and a Chinese history class.  I had such a great time in China.  The weekend excursions, especially the trip to the Great Wall, were a great way to experience the culture firsthand.  I met so many people from all over the world whether it be at the universities, at restaurants, or at the clubs.  Many people read about China in the newspaper or in a history book, but not many people can actually say that they have lived there.  This was truly the best way I could have spent my summer and I hope that I will be able to go back in the near future. Gabrielle C., Spelman College, 2008 http://www.bsaminoritystudyabroad.com/index.php/39/