Day 7

Elevator display screen showing 电梯速度 SPEED 0.5 m/s, 118, 545m, and a tower silhouette

Aerial view of a river bend lined with dense skyscrapers under a hazy sky

Day 14 Blog Post (Anneth Hernandez – IT-Cybersecurity)

Morning

Today was our final day in China, and it was hard to believe that two weeks had already passed. Since our flight home was later in the evening, we had the morning and early afternoon free before returning to the hotel for our 3:00 P.M. departure to the airport.

As a group, we decided to make the most of our last few hours by taking one final trip into downtown Shanghai. We wanted to visit the Shanghai Tower and experience the city one last time before beginning our journey back to the United States.

Walking through Shanghai's financial district again reminded me of how impressive the city truly is. As someone studying Cybersecurity, I naturally appreciate technology, but being surrounded by engineering and construction on this scale gave me an even greater appreciation for how different fields work together to create cities like Shanghai.

One of my favorite parts of the morning was visiting the Shanghai Tower. Standing at the base of the building and looking straight up was incredible.

The elevator ride to the observation deck was surprisingly smooth and incredibly fast. After the short elevator ride, we were looking down at one of the largest cities in the world. From the top, we could clearly see the Huangpu River, other skyscrapers, and different neighborhoods for miles and miles in every direction.

Seeing Shanghai from that perspective reminded me that technology, engineering, architecture, and innovation all work together to shape modern cities.

Afternoon

After visiting the observation deck, we explored the Shanghai Eye experience inside the tower. The interactive displays combined digital technology and lighting, and visual effects to create an immersive experience

As an Information Technology student, I found this especially interesting because it demonstrated how technology can be used not only for education but also to create engaging experiences for visitors. It was a reminder that innovation can be both informative and creative.

Before returning to the hotel, our group enjoyed one final lunch together in downtown Shanghai.

Throughout the trip, we had shared many different meals while visiting universities, businesses, and cities across China. This final lunch gave us an opportunity to reflect on everything we had experienced together before saying goodbye to a country that had welcomed us.

After lunch, we returned to the hotel, collected our luggage, and boarded the bus for our 3:00 P.M. departure to the airport.

The ride back felt much quieter than our previous bus rides. I think everyone was either tired, sad, reflecting, or a combination of all.

Four people smiling together in front of a window overlooking a city skyline

People touching an interactive wall display with blue swirling light patterns

Two people silhouetted against a swirling blue light-wall display

Upward view of skyscrapers against a partly cloudy sky

Illuminated abstract sculpture glowing pink, purple, and green under a canopy of string lights

Person touching a golden light-wall display with radiating streak patterns

Two people touching a swirling blue light-wall display in a dim room

Night

Looking back now, I can't believe how nervous I was two weeks ago before leaving for China.

At the time, I was not sure what to expect from traveling to a country so different from what I knew. Today, I am with a completely different perspective.

During these two weeks, our group visited four educational institutions, five business organizations, and conducted interviews with organizational leadership that allowed us to better understand China's approach to education, manufacturing, innovation, and international collaboration. As an I.T student, every visit helped me connect what I have learned at Gateway Technical College to industries and technologies that operate on a global scale.

Even outside of the educational experiences, I also learned about Chinese culture through everyday life. Things like our group taking public transportation, or trying new foods, or exploring historic sites, or simply interacting with Chinese students and professionals, every experience helped me develop a greater appreciation for another culture.

For me. I think one of the greatest parts of this program was the friendships I made. I met wonderful classmates, faculty members, Chinese students, and professionals who made this experience unforgettable.

This study abroad program has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, become more confident, and recognize that technology and innovation connect people across the world regardless of language or nationality.

As we boarded our flight home, I realized that although our time in China had come to an end, the lessons we learned, the friendships we built, and the memories we created will remain with us for many many years.

Xièxiè, China, xièxiè GTC, for an unforgettable experience.

Zàijiàn! (Goodbye)

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