Education is truly a global endeavor these days. Bohan, a student originally from China, chose to pursue his undergraduate degree in computer science and business a world away at a university in the United States. But living and studying in the world's third largest country wasn't enough for Bohan; last summer he found himself studying abroad in the small landlocked country of Armenia and pursuing an internship with the Eurasia Partnership Foundation.
Interning in Armenia has now weaved three countries from three continents together for Bohan's overall educational experience. Not only have these experiences supported his professional and academic development, being immersed in three cultures has significantly impacted his worldview:
"Looking back to my time in Armenia, I was initially shocked by the culture differences. Studying in the US as an international student from China, I have experienced different facets of eastern and western culture. As a country that lies between the eastern and western world, Armenia showed me a unique integration of both sides.
In terms of its western side, I have seen the willingness of Armenians to express their emotions. Armenians usually greet and say goodbye to each other by kissing each other's cheeks. They really enjoy hugging and expressing their emotions. People are welcoming and inviting; I really appreciate the enthusiasm of Armenians. According to the statistics from World Health Organization, Armenian teenagers are some of the happiest teenagers in the world.
In terms of its eastern characteristics, Armenians are generally family-oriented. In other words, they value their family connections. In Armenia, people usually live together with their family members, and they are dependent and close to each other. The elders are respected and valued highly in the society. The focus on the family is very similar to Chinese and Asian cultures."
The fusion between the eastern and western world and Bohan's own international background made for a culturally eye-opening summer in Armenia.
About the Overseas Professional and Intercultural Training Program (OPIT)
The Overseas Professional and Intercultural Training Program offers six-week, English-language internships where students gain the substantive overseas professional experience and intercultural communication skills demanded by today's global market. American Councils staff arrange internship placements and provide ongoing support to participants. Internships in the fields of business, democracy-building, ecology, human rights, law, public health, journalism, and gender issues are available throughout Eurasia and Southeast Europe.