2018年9月28日，我开启了人生中最伟大的一次冒险旅途。怀揣着对中国文化的向往、对汉语知识的渴求以及两个相当笨重的箱子，我登上了前往中国长沙的飞机。湖南师范大学是我的母校在中国的合作学校，而我也将在那里开始为期四个半月的留学生活。正如你想象的那样，我真的很紧张，但是紧张之余又十分地兴奋，我明白这次旅行对我来说意味着什么，我也早已做好准备，去迎接这次冒险之旅。
最初的生活总是很困难的，初到师大时，面对陌生的环境以及语言差异，我也有过烦恼。但是，同学们对我非常热情，老师们对我也非常关心，大家都尽可能的为我提供帮助，让我感受到了家的温暖，少了初到新环境的紧张，多了开启留学生活的期待。
学习汉语的日子，每天都过得那么充实，除了上课便是不断的语言练习。从周一到周五，从上午8点到中午12点，我都会和其他国际学生一起学习汉语。我的课程包括口语、听力和综合，每一门课都会增强我学习汉语的信心。每隔一段时间，我们班都会聚在一起，一边品尝中国的美食，一边体验中国的文化。在师大求学的这段时间里，我越来越喜欢我的同学，也很享受和他们在一起的学习时光。
业余时间，我担任了美国研究中心协调员，组织并参加了旨在分享美国文化的一系列活动。令我记忆犹新的是为开幕晚会唱歌的那个时候，我戴着美国具有代表性的牛仔帽，唱着流氓弗拉特的《生活是一条高速公路》。我还参加了湖南省“中华经典诗文诵读大赛”，那次比赛，我们取得了第二名的好成绩！在办公室工作的时间里，我主要负责英语辅导班，帮助学生练习英语口语，我很喜欢在办公室工作，因为在这里我不仅能认识到各色各样的人，也能让我学到更地道的中国话。
在师大的这些日子里，我结识了来自韩国、俄罗斯等世界各地的留学生，跟他们也慢慢熟络起来。我们经常相约在师大各处散步，与大家一起逛校园，我想我越来越喜欢师大了，喜欢她的自然、人文，也喜欢她的环境、氛围。每逢假期，我都会约上三五好友去旅行，但是大多数的旅行，我都是和来自俄罗斯和瑞典的朋友一起去的。从萍乡到桂林、从阳朔到张家界、从常德到凤凰、从韶山到西安，在旅途中，我看到了中国乡村的平和静好，我也看到了宏伟城市的光速变化，这都让我大开眼界。古老的中国已有几千年的历史，它经历了无数挫折与辉煌，它的灿烂与凄凉在许多地方都有记载。但它也很年轻，朝气蓬勃，充满活力，有太多的任务需要它完成。在旅行中我学会了如何透过普通中国人的眼睛看世界，也学会了如何感激来之不易的生命。
四个半月后，通过不断地努力，我看到了自己的进步，我的汉语水平有了很大的提升，并且已经能够用中文进行流利地演讲了。几个月前，我背上行囊，独自一人踏上中国的土地，我不知道会发生什么。四个半月后，我回来了，我变成了一个更好更聪明的人。我会永远感激那些鼓励我的老师们，是他们让我勇敢地接受挑战，我也非常感谢那些来自世界各地的朋友们，感谢中国这个美丽的国度。我会很快再回来的，因为我知道在长沙求学的这段时光让我成为了更好的自己。
Studying Abroad in Changsha, China:
The Greatest Experience of My Life
Maura Knutsen
On September 28, 2018, I embarked on one of the greatest adventures of my life. With two suitcases and the basic understanding of Mandarin I had, I boarded a plane to Changsha, China. Southern Utah University (the school I attend) has a partner University there. I would be studying there for four and half months. As you can imagine, I was excited yet nervous, but ready for whatever the adventure had in store for me. When I first arrived, I was overwhelmed by the generosity and care given by professors and students at Hunan Normal University. They were patient with me and my language skills and offered help in any way they could. I was given a week to settle-in and found my home in the International Student dorms on campus.
Each week consisted of class and constantly practicingthe language. Monday through Friday, 8AM to noon, I studied with other international students. My course included: oral practice, listening, and comprehensive (grammar instruction). Each were vital in helping strengthen my confidence and understanding of the language. Every so often, our class would gather outsidethe classroom, and enjoy food and conversation together. Over the four and half months, I grew very fond of my classmates and enjoyed learning from them.
During my time there, I worked as the American Studies Center Coordinator. I organized and participated in events meant to educate students about American Culture. My favorite experience was singing for the Opening Party. I wore a traditional cowboy hat and sang Rascal Flatt’s “Life is a Highway”. I also took part in the University wide Poetry Competition. Weplaced second in the University! Inside the Office, I hosted tutoring hours whereI would help students practice their oral English. I made many friends and enjoyed working in the Office every week.
Every opportunity I had, I traveled. I visited placeslike: 萍乡(PingXiang),桂林(GuiLin),阳朔(YangShuo),张家界(ZhangJiaJie),常德(ChangDe),凤凰(FengHuang),韶山(ShaoShan)and 西安(XiAn). Most of the trips, I went with friends from Russia and Sweden. Seeing the countryside of China, as well as the majestic cities was eye-opening for me. I learned how to see the world through their eyes, and how grateful I am for thelife I have been given.
Over four and half months, I watched myself grow as a person. I also listened to my speaking and overall understanding of the language improve. Because of my diligence in practicing, I have improved greatly. I went to China alone, uncertain of what to expect. I returned four and half months later, a better and wiser person. I will be forever grateful for my professors who challenged me to do my best. I am grateful for the friends I have made from the around the world. I am grateful for China and the beautiful place it is. I will be returning soon. Until then, know I am a better version of myself because I chose to study abroad in Changsha.
作者简介：柯慕仁，美国南犹他大学学生。从入大学以来，她一直在南犹他大学孔子学院学习汉语。2018年8月至2019年1月，作为交换生，她在湖南师范大学学习了一个学期。这篇文章是她对自己在中国学习和生活的回顾。为了记录自己在中国的美好时光，她还在网上开通了个人博客。更多精彩内容，请访问：
https://mknutsen21.wixsite.com/a-blonde-in-china/blog/
