From Classroom to Real-Life Connections: My Summer Abroad Journey Sheds New Light on U.S.-China Relations
Skyler Standridge CC'25 shares his learning experience in Beijing this summer and how it has enriched his research on U.S.-China relations.
Following is a transcript of the full interview, lightly edited for clarity.
Tell us about yourself! What's your name, school, and major?
My name is Skyler Standridge. My Chinese name is Lv Tian (吕天). I am a rising junior at Columbia College, majoring in East Asian Studies and History.
What brought you to Beijing?
I'm interested in U.S.-China relations and also studying Chinese. So this summer, I enrolled in an intensive summer program to learn Chinese at Capital Normal University. I wanted an in-person intensive program to help me improve my Chinese and learn more about U.S.-China relations while in China.
How's your experience in China so far?
It's been great. I love being here. My first time in China was in 2018 when I was a freshman in high school.
I've already noticed many changes in my everyday life while living in China and experiencing classes. One of those is the rapid development of the mobile payment system. The last time I was here, a lot of places were still looking to use credit cards. But this time, it was very clear when I got here, and everything runs through either WeChat, Zhifubao, or Alipay, which is very convenient and a lot easier to use
Another change I've also noticed is the development of the high-speed rail system. Two to three weeks ago, I went to Chengdu. And from Beijing to Chengdu, the bullet train was only around seven and a half hours, which is extremely fast and convenient.
How did you find out about the Beijing Center? How has the Beijing Center supported your study in the country?
Dr. Laura Neitzel with the Committee on Global Thought recommended I reach out to the Columbia Global Center in Beijing to see if they could help me get ready for my study abroad and give me an orientation and a rundown of how things are in Beijing, what's changed, and what to expect to be in a university setting in another country.
I reached out to the Beijing Center, and they've been so accommodating and wonderful. Once I got here, the Beijing Center helped me get set up with a SIM card and Alipay and gave me an amazing orientation and a welcome to Beijing.
While I've been in Beijing, they've also hosted the incoming student events, where I was able to talk about my experience at Columbia and meet many new friends. That was really great!
What have you gained this summer?
Coming to China this summer to study abroad and study Chinese gives me great opportunities to meet like-minded Chinese university students and talk about my research interest in U.S.-China relations. We've been able to discuss relevant topics and issues and also share our perspectives.
It's given me new opportunities to think a bit more about the different perspectives they bring to the table as well as think about my own perspectives in a new light.
Without coming to China to experience that in a Chinese language environment, I would never have been able to have those conversations in depth.
Tell us your favorite Chinese dishes.
My favorite Chinese dishes are Sauerkraut Fish, Dandan Noodles, and Sichuan Hot Pot. I also like Beijing and Nanjing Roast Duck and wheatgrass.
What's your plan after college?
After graduation, I plan to continue on either a master's program and global affairs or go on to law school to study international law.
I'm looking to enter either the public or private sector to find a job to help create a more inclusive environment for U.S.-China relations.