When I left Datong, a city in Shanxi Province famous for its ancient walls and coal mines, I thought I was just going to the U.S. to “improve my English” and finish my degree. I didn’t realize that my first year at Ball State would completely change the way I study, communicate, and even imagine my future.

This is the story of that year.

Arriving in a New World

My journey started with two heavy suitcases, a long flight, and a heart full of mixed feelings—excitement, fear, and curiosity all at the same time. When I first arrived in Muncie, everything felt different: the wide streets, the quiet campus, even the way people smiled and said, “How are you?” in passing.

I still remember my first night in the dorm. It was so quiet that I could hear the heating system. Back home in Datong, my apartment was always full of noise—family talking, TV playing, neighbors moving around. In Muncie, I suddenly had a room to me and my roommate. It felt both free and lonely.

Very quickly, I realized that surviving here meant more than just knowing grammar and vocabulary. I had to learn how to live, study, and interact in a completely new culture.

What Surprised Me About American Classrooms

My biggest shock came from the classroom.

In China, most of my classes were lecture-based. The teacher talked, students listened, and we took notes. Asking questions during class sometimes felt like interrupting. Group work and presentations were not very common.

At Ball State, everything flipped upside down.

On the first day of class, the professor did not stand behind a podium and talk for 90 minutes. Instead, she asked us to introduce ourselves, share something unique, and then put us into small groups to discuss the syllabus. I was confused: *Is this part of the lesson? Are we being graded right now?*

Another surprise was how much professors encouraged students to speak up. They would ask questions like, “What do you think?” or “Do you agree with this idea?” At first, I was scared to answer. I worried that my English would sound strange or that my opinion would be “wrong.” But slowly, with the help of kind classmates and patient teachers, I started raising my hand more often.

Group projects and presentations became a regular part of my life. I remember staying up late with my teammates, arguing over slide designs and practicing who would say which part. It was stressful, but each time I finished a presentation, I felt a small level-up in my confidence.

Stepping Onto the Stage: Presentations and INTESOL

Before coming to Ball State, I never imagined myself speaking English in front of a large audience. Even doing a short presentation in Chinese could make my hands shake.

This year, that changed.

In several of my classes, I gave presentations on topics like social media, cultural differences, and language learning. At first, my voice was very soft and my eyes stayed on the slides. But my professors encouraged me to make eye contact, speak louder, and trust my ideas. Little by little, I improved.

The biggest step came when I had the honor to co-present with Dr. Susan Luo at the INTESOL conference. Standing next to an experienced professor, speaking to a room full of teachers and researchers, felt unreal. I kept thinking, *Is this really me, the girl from Datong who used to be scared of answering questions in class?*

Preparing for the conference taught me a lot about academic writing, research, and professional communication. Dr. Luo and other teachers, like Tong Li, gave me careful feedback and constant encouragement. Their support made me feel that my voice mattered—not just as a student, but as a young scholar.

Finding Home Through Culture: Mid-Autumn, I-Fest, and the Provost Banquet

Of course, studying abroad is not just about textbooks and presentations. It is also about people, food, festivals, and all the little moments that make a place feel like home.

One of my favorite memories is the campus Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. In China, this holiday is about reunion—families eat mooncakes, admire the full moon, and think of loved ones far away. I worried that I would feel extra homesick that night. Instead, I found myself surrounded by lanterns, music, and friends from many countries. We shared mooncakes, took photos, and talked about how our families celebrate holidays. For a moment, the distance between Datong and Muncie didn’t feel so big.

Another special experience was the I-Fest event. I volunteered at the Chinese calligraphy table, writing characters for visitors. Some people asked me to write their English names in Chinese; others just wanted to try holding the brush themselves. While I was sharing my own culture, I also walked around to visit other booths. I tasted French desserts, Japanese matcha candies, Moroccan mint tea, and Brazilian chocolate. It felt like traveling around the world in one afternoon.

Later, I attended the Provost Banquet at the Rinker Center. The room was full of round tables, red tablecloths, and the sound of many languages. IEI students went on stage to receive their English certificates, and everyone clapped loudly. There was delicious food, but what I remember most is the conversation—students and staff from different countries talking about their dreams, families, and funny culture-shock stories. It was one of those moments when I realized how global Ball State truly is.

Challenges, Warmth, and Growth

Of course, this year was not always easy.

Sometimes the Indiana winter felt endless, and walking across campus in the cold wind made me miss the dry but familiar air of Datong. There were nights when I felt lonely and missed my parents’ cooking. There were also days when my brain felt tired from thinking in English all the time.

But whenever I struggled, there were people who helped: IEI teachers who patiently corrected my grammar; professors who wrote encouraging comments on my essays; friends who invited me to try American snacks or practice conversation; staff at the Rinker Center who organized events that made international students feel seen and supported.

Teachers like Susan Luo and Tong Li played an especially important role. They did not only teach me language and academic skills—they also listened to my worries, celebrated my progress, and showed me what it looks like to be a caring educator in a global environment.

How This Year Changed My Future

When I first left Datong, my plan was simple: finish my studies abroad, improve my English, and then maybe return to China to find a stable job. Now, my vision is bigger.

Because of my experiences at Ball State—giving presentations, attending academic conferences, participating in cultural events—I have become more interested in cross-cultural communication and international education. I enjoy helping others understand Chinese culture, and I also love learning from people whose backgrounds are very different from mine.

In the future, I hope to continue my studies, maybe even pursue graduate school, and work in a field where I can build bridges between countries—perhaps as a university teacher, international program coordinator, or researcher in intercultural communication.

Closing Thoughts

My first year at Ball State has been a journey from silence to voice, from nervousness to growing confidence, and from a local perspective to a more global one.

I arrived as a student from Datong who was afraid to raise her hand in class. I am leaving this year as someone who has presented at a conference, written calligraphy for strangers at I-Fest, celebrated Mid-Autumn on campus, and shaken hands with professors at the Provost Banquet.

Most importantly, I have learned that “studying abroad” is not just about traveling to another country. It is about opening your heart to new ideas, new people, and new versions of yourself.

And this, for me, is just the beginning.

-Yan Xin