Hi! My name is Rowan Wechsler. I am a Political Science major with minors in Spanish & Mandarin Chinese, and a certificate in Asian Studies set to graduate in the Spring of 2028. I am passionate about public service and making sure that language never stands as a barrier between people and the resources they are entitled to. I’m from South Orange, NJ, and am very excited to be studying in Shanghai, China this summer!
My program, CET – Shanghai, is a study abroad program that emphasizes fluency in language and real-world training. Through this program, I plan to take eight weeks of intensive Mandarin, an elective, as well as pursue an internship with a local organization in Shanghai. In researching studying abroad in China, I was a bit skeptical (partly because of my deathly fear of flying), but also because I didn’t know if it would be the most valuable use of my time over the summer. But after looking more deeply into my program as well as the city of Shanghai, I knew it would be right for me.
I am going into this summer with three main goals: 提高我的中文水平 (upgrade my level of Chinese), eat as much delicious food as I can, and better understand Chinese culture in a way that helps me serve a wider coalition of people. Additionally, I wouldn’t mind making new friends from across the nation that will be joining me in my program. While I have taken many Mandarin and Chinese culture culture courses, much of my perspective regarding that part of the world has been shaped by the narratives that surround me here in the United States. I want my experience to help shape my understanding of the great diversity that exists in the world as a whole, and that is growingly large in my home state of New Jersey. Finally, I am excited to try the spicy, sour, sweet，umami (and very inexpensive) flavors of Shanghai.
