Swansea University
Bobby Tsang
Swansea University student Bobby Tsang, 27, never thought that his first opportunity to visit China would come from the university where he is studying for a PhD in Materials Engineering . Born in the UK into a family of Hong Kong origin, Bobby has always had a desire to experience Chinese culture in-country, so when he was offered a chance to take part in one of three Study In China programmes organised by the University , he jumped at the opportunity.
In 2008, Swansea University students were given an opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese as an extra -curricular activity. Competition for places was fierce with 80 participants eventually selected from over 200 applicants. Those studying Mandarin were then offered the chance to apply for one of 27 places on the University’s new Study in China programme, which was piloted in 2009 with three host universities in China; Chongqing Technology and Business University, Shangdong University at Weihai and Heilongjiang University. Students would have an opportunity to live and learn in another culture, adding an international dimension to their education experience and enhancing their prospects after graduation. The University wanted to give students a life-changing opportunity and for Bobby that is certainly what happened when he visited Chongqing Technology and Business University in May 2009. Even landing in China for the first time gave him a massive sense of pride and excitement to finally arrive in the country of his ancestors.
Chongqing is a modern city and attracts visitors from home and abroad for its cultural heritage and other tourist attractions. It is famous for its hot Sichuan cuisine and world-famous hotpot dishes which Bobby has been keen to cook for his friends since his return, bringing a taste of China into the homes of Swansea students .
Whilst participating in a culture-rich programme of activities and language classes, Bobby learnt not only about Chinese traditions such as cooking, folk music and history, but also saw, through first hand experience, how modern Chinese people live, learn and work. The hectic life in the city; the tranquility of the countryside; the traditional local spicy flavours; and the typical day-to-day lives of the local people were the cultural elements that Bobby and the other students were exposed to during their stay.
Bobby made some great friends in Chongqing, and now gets to practice Mandarin with native speakers. With plans to go back to China on completion of his PhD to study or teach English, Bobby has been given a new outlook on his future. He commented, 
“The Study in China programme was quite simply the single greatest experience I have had at University. The three weeks that I spent in Chongqing exposed me first hand to day to day life in both urban and rural China and I am really excited to go back and visit the city and the great people that I met”.
What made you apply for the Study in China programme?
Originally, I simply thought it was a fantastic opportunity for the students here in Swansea to learn about China. It then became more of a personal desire to visit the birthplace of my ancestors. I found that this desire grew the more I attended the Mandarin classes and learned about
China.
Chongqing is a fascinating city. My brother described it as "the largest city that no-one has ever heard of" and that is not too far from the truth- everyone will have heard of Mexico City or Istanbul but Chongqing is far greater in size and population than both of these great cities. In fact, Chongqing is actually one of 4 special administrative regions in China; the others are Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. It has a population of over 34million people which equates to more than half of the total population of the UK!
Evidence of its recent developments can be seen everywhere and everything there is BIG. Chongqing was once a very industrial region but many of its main manufacturing and processing plants have been relocated elsewhere in China leaving a massive redevelopment project in its void. The city is landlocked but sits on two main rivers, the Yangtze and Jialing. Like all the cities and regions in China, (and the world!) the position and geography of the city/municipality plays a huge role on the lifestyle of its people. For example, because of its geographical position, Chongqing boasts some of the hottest temperatures in China, giving it nicknames such as "The Furnace City". To combat against the heat, the inhabitants will eat VERY spicy foods to keep cool which gives rise to its unique cooking style and cuisines including its most famous dish, the hot pot (火鍋) , a dish which consists of broiling ones’ own food from raw at the table in an extremely spicy boiling soup. 
Chongqing is very hilly and mountainous meaning it is one of the only places in China where you will be hard pressed to find a bicycle. In fact, no-one I met could ride a bike (apart from people from Beijing who were studying there)!
What did you gain from the experience?
The experience has allowed me to open my eyes to what can be described as a completely different world. For a traveller without any experience of Mandarin, moving around China will feel very daunting but this will only expose them to the extreme kindness of the Chinese public.
Do you plan to return to China?
I plan to return to China very soon. I really want to build on my experience and explore other parts of this vast country.
Favourite memory?
I don’t have a particular moment that was my favourite because I enjoyed the whole trip, but one of the most memorable things was the people. I met so many wonderful people who allowed us into their lives. The people of China are incredibly open and are extremely receptive to
visiting foreigners. They showed us a new level of kindness and selflessness which is ingrained in their everyday culture. There was never a moment in the three weeks that I felt anything but at home.
Bobby Tsang's film of his experiences in Chongqing is available at You Tube here