Hello, I’m Arianna, a second-year Architecture student, and I recently completed my exchange semester at XJTLU in Suzhou, China!
I used to find it cliché when people said, “studying abroad changes your life.” I had my doubts at first, but now I can confidently say they were right. I am still the same person I was before the semester began, but these past four months have helped me grow in confidence and feel more grateful for the people and opportunities around me.
China is genuinely amazing. Most days felt like a dream, from campus life to the cities my friends and I visited on weekends. Everything felt new and exciting. The people I met made the experience better, and it would not have been the same without them. Although we are all in different places now, I am so excited to meet them again in their home countries!
Suzhou is a beautiful city, especially through its blend of tradition and modernity. One of my modules, History of Asian Architecture, helped me appreciate the city’s history and culture more deeply. Although we study architectural history in Liverpool, this allowed me to explore it through an Eastern rather than Western lens. Having Shanghai only a short train ride away was also incredible. Between Suzhou and Shanghai, there was so much to do, from landmarks and historic sites to café hopping, shopping, and nightlife; it felt never-ending!
One moment I will never forget was seeing Chongqing’s skyline. We were having a barbecue on a hillside at sunset, and once the sun went down, the city lit up. The drone show started shortly after, and it looked like something out of a movie.
Despite these experiences, there were also challenges, from food poisoning to academic stress and worries about home. Some moments did not go smoothly, but I would not change any of it. I see them as part of the experience, and they made me appreciate the good times and support even more.
My goal for this exchange was to leave with no regrets. I am happy to say my only regret is not staying longer. I have had such an unreal time, and I know I will hold this period of my life close to my heart. Hopefully, I will return to China one day and continue exploring what I left unfinished. By then, I hope my Chinese will have improved too!
Arian Potente China by School of the Arts MRE