I’ll never forget the day I stepped off the plane in Shanghai. I was 22 years old, fresh out of my small hometown in Mexico, and about to embark on a semester-long exchange program at a university in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. I had dreamed of this moment for years—China, with its rich history and futuristic cities, had always fascinated me. But nothing could have prepared me for how this journey would change my life.
A World Unlike Anything I Knew
From the moment I arrived, Shanghai felt like another planet. The towering skyscrapers, the neon lights, the bustling streets—it was nothing like the quiet, sun-drenched streets of Mexico. Everything moved at lightning speed, and I was both overwhelmed and exhilarated. I remember my first ride on the Maglev train, gliding smoothly at 300 km/h, thinking, “This is the future.”
At first, I thought I’d be fine with just English. After all, Shanghai is an international city, and many people speak English, especially in areas like the Bund or Pudong. But I quickly realized that outside the tourist hotspots, English wasn’t always enough. When I tried to order food at a local noodle shop or ask for directions from an elderly vendor, I hit a wall. That’s when I knew: if I wanted to truly experience Shanghai—not just as a visitor, but as someone who belonged—I needed to learn Chinese.
The First Steps: A Language Class and a Band
During course registration, I signed up for the university’s Chinese language class. It was intimidating at first—my classmates were from all over the world, and some already had a head start. But I was determined. I spent hours practicing tones, writing characters, and repeating phrases until my tongue felt numb.
Outside of class, I joined the university’s music club. Music had always been my escape, and I figured it would be a great way to meet people. Little did I know, it would become the cornerstone of my Shanghai experience. I met a group of Chinese students who shared my love for music, and together, we formed a band. We rehearsed in tiny practice rooms, played at school events, and even performed at a local bar. They became my closest friends, my guides, and my cheerleaders.
Through them, I discovered the real Shanghai—not just the glossy skyscrapers, but the hidden alleyways, the street food stalls, and the warmth of its people. They introduced me to spicy Hunan dishes, fiery Sichuan hotpot, and delicate Cantonese dim sum. And yes, they even convinced me to try *baijiu*, the infamous Chinese liquor that left me coughing and laughing in equal measure.
The Breakthrough: A Moment of Pride
One of my most memorable moments came during a night out with the band. We were at a bar, and I was nervously reviewing my Chinese notes for a midterm the next day. My friend noticed and said, “Let me quiz you!” She picked up my notebook and asked in Chinese, “现在几点钟？” (“Xiànzài jǐ diǎn zhōng?” What time is it?). I glanced at my phone and replied, “八点五十五。” (“Bā diǎn wǔshíwǔ”, 8:55).
To my surprise, the entire table erupted in cheers. “Your Chinese is so standard!” one friend exclaimed. Another, from Sichuan, joked, “Your accent is better than mine!” In that moment, I felt a surge of pride. It wasn’t just about getting the tones right—it was about feeling like I was finally part of their world.
Small Victories, Big Joy
Another milestone came when I ordered a “jianbing” (Chinese crepe) from a street vendor all by myself. I had practiced the phrase over and over: “要牛肉，不要辣。” (“Yào niúròu, bù yào là.” Beef, no spice). When the vendor understood me perfectly and handed me the crepe, I felt like I had conquered a mountain. My friend, who had been standing beside me, laughed and said, “You’re officially a local now.”
The Bittersweet Goodbye
All too soon, the semester came to an end. Saying goodbye to my friends was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. We promised to stay in touch, but I knew it wouldn’t be the same. As I boarded the plane back to Mexico, I made myself a promise: I would come back to Shanghai. Not just to visit, but to live and work there.
The Journey Continues
Back in Mexico, I threw myself into my studies and internships, but I never stopped learning Chinese. I knew that if I wanted to return to Shanghai, I had to keep improving. I tried a few local language schools, but the quality was inconsistent, and my schedule was too hectic. Then, I discovered eChineseLearning, an online platform that offered flexible, customized lessons. It was a game-changer. I could schedule classes at any time, and the teachers tailored the lessons to my needs. Over the next year, my Chinese improved dramatically. I went from struggling with basic sentences to having full conversations with my friends on WeChat—without relying on translation apps.
Looking Ahead
Now, as I approach graduation, I’m more determined than ever to return to Shanghai. That semester abroad wasn’t just a chapter in my life—it was the beginning of a new story. Learning Chinese didn’t just open doors for me; it connected me to a culture and a community that I now call my second home.
If you’re thinking about learning Chinese, I can’t recommend it enough. Yes, it’s challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. And if you’re ready to take the first step, eChineseLearning is offering a free trial lesson for new students. It’s the perfect way to start your own journey.
Learning Chinese changed my life, and it can change yours too. Don’t wait—start today.
Quiz: What flavor is Sichuan cuisine famous for?
A. Sweet – 甜 (tián)
B. Sour – 酸 (suān)
C. Spicy – 辣 (là)
D. Salty – 咸 (xián)
Answer: C. Spicy – 辣 (là)
Sichuan cuisine is famous for its spicy flavor, often featuring chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns (花椒, huājiāo), which create a unique numbing and hot sensation called 麻辣 (málà). Dishes like Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) and Hot Pot (火锅) are iconic examples of this bold, fiery taste.
