NAHSS: Reborn in a new culture
By Victor Brouwers | Delegate NAHSS 2018, Chengdu
It's like being hit by a sandstorm of stuffy air; that was my first impression of bustling Chengdu when I stepped off the plane. After months of waiting for this moment, it was finally here. Together with my richly varied project group, with which I was going to complete a study on the workforce of the future in China for PwC, and the other project groups that I did not yet know well at the time, I embarked on an unprecedented adventure. At that time we were only at the beginning of the period of five weeks in Chengdu during which we would grow together with all groups, take 'Chinese Language' and 'Modern Chinese Politics' at Sichuan University, be overwhelmed by the spicy, local food and complete our project would bring a successful conclusion, and then enjoy a final week in Shanghai with NAHSS members from the other cities.
Literally and figuratively taste Chinese culture
With Professor Zhou Yi and the entire class
Chengdu: a spicy piece of culture
Our weeks were richly filled: generally three to four days were filled with our lessons, in which we were able to get acquainted with the differences in views regarding education of Chinese culture compared to what we were used to. The unforgettable monologues of Zhou Yi, the professor for the course 'Modern Chinese Politics' who could burst into song at any time, were pleasantly alternated with competitive 'Chinese Language' lessons in which the class was often pitted against each other in groups in which the losing side had to complete a challenge.
The other days of the week were filled with company visits, alternating between organizations such as AkzoNobel, Unilever and the Chinese liqueur giant Wu Liang Ye. The latter company offered us, among other things, a tour of their 50,000-employee complex, followed by a fully catered weekend visiting all kinds of highlights in Chengdu and the surrounding area, such as the Leshan Giant Buddha: an intimidating 71-meter statue chiselled from a rock wall.
In addition, Chengdu offered us very characteristic food, and the 'Sichuan Pepper' will be remembered with a smile and a tear by many participants. The typical Hotpot and round tables where the food is shared with all those present, resulted in differing opinions about the appreciation of the local cuisine. However, one thing is certain: every NAHSS participant in Chengdu will look back with healthy melancholy on all the evenings we were able to spend in this company.
Chain of highlights
Even now that I've had time to think about what I would say about the NAHSS when people ask, it's hard to know where I would start. Of course there is the more nuanced view of China that the trip gives you and of course it is incredibly special to experience such an overwhelming journey in such a multidisciplinary team. But in addition, the bizarre contrast in China itself, between Chengdu and Shanghai, is also worth discussing and of course the unforgettable trip to Siguniang Mountain, where we watched the sun rise while shivering at an altitude of 5,000 meters, should not be missed. But even after saying all that, there is still an infinite amount to say about what the NAHSS has to offer, and unfortunately I will never be able to capture it all in just a few words.
So if you want to experience something unique, you have an affinity with China and the ambition to do something fantastic during the summer holidays, don't hesitate and register for the NAHSS 2019! If you have any questions, I can be reached at v.p.j.brouwers@student.tue.nl.
Shivering at an altitude of 5000 meters