...in the words of former YISA students

"The beauty and history of this country is something that you have to see firsthand. It is magnificent to see just how much strategic planning goes into everything they do. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect coming to China. After being here and experiencing the Chinese culture there is no other place I would have rather been."
Bryan Stedman, Communication Major, Fall 2010

"As parents we were concerned about [our daughter] being so far away from home and in an unfamiliar country. It was very comforting for us to know that there was someone who would help her and that the program was so well run."
Bob Grandolfo Parent, Fall 2010

"Studying in China was the experience of a lifetime. I had such an amazing time, and I know all of the students in the program would agree with me. The sites we visited were incredible and I have never experienced anything like it."
Matthew Witkowski, summer 2010

"Taking a full semester of classes in China was one of the best experiences in my life. The friendships I formed with my fellow students and my professors during last summer's adventure in China have made my current year in school even better. The great introduction I received to Chinese culture and history, the unique foods, and the amazing places like the Great Wall of China all make me want to return someday. Future YISA students will have a great time in China!"
Kelly Baker, summer 2009

"There is so much more that I learned from meeting Chinese people in real life situations than I could have picked up in a classroom. Studying and interning with YISA opened the door to my graduate studies at the Johns-Hopkins International Center and has contributed greatly to me successful internship at the US Department of Treasury."
Nick Borst, YISA 2006, Intern - summers 2007 & 2008, TA 2008/2009

"I encourage any serious student of Chinese to study with YISA. YISA students are given a unique opportunity to study Chinese and experience Chinese culture first-hand by being immersed within the unique cultural sphere of Nanjing. Living and studying in China is an experience whose value is unmatched."
Chris Oakden, fall 2007

"Going to China was an incredible experience. I found that China's cities were modern and intriguing, with a great variety of arts and culture. Going to cultural events really helped me expand my Chinese language skills and meet a lot of people. Living in China was continually fascinating and endlessly inspiring."
Joel Pellini, summer 2007

"Studying in China was one of the best decisions in my life. The teachers made class fun and exciting. Not only has my Chinese improved, but the program allowed me to meet a group of wonderful friends and people. Whether it was eating, shopping, karaoke singing, clubbing or sightseeing, there was always something fun to do."
Bryan Leong, summer 2007

"This has been my first extended period of time spent abroad and I encountered many challenges and rewarding experiences. It was a struggle to learn to adapt to another culture so different from the one I was raised in, but getting to know another country has proved to be one of the best experiences of my life."
Lynne Greenhalgh, spring 2007

"YISA has helped me see a perspective of society and life that I would never have gotten from a textbook. Living and studying in China has opened my mind to new ideas of the world and its people, especially with China developing in every way, allowing me as a student to see and analyze the current changes."
Alex Iturreria, fall 2006