U.S. student awed by China's nature, culture(3)

Global friends

The cross-cultural exchanges and enduring friendships he cultivated during the event had "transformative power", he said. "Now I have friends who I hope to eventually visit in Europe, in Australia, in Asia, in Africa, in South America, because we are from all around the world, and we're all still in contact," Fowler said.

Upon his return to the United States, Fowler shared his experiences with local communities, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

"I also brought back a lot of little gifts for my professors and friends such as bookmarks with quotes from Chinese philosophers or idioms," he added.

Fowler also won a Chinese-language study scholarship from the Chinese government, which has solidified his commitment to fostering international connections and cultural appreciation. He plans to pursue further studies in Mandarin and linguistics in China after graduation.

"I don't believe you can ever understand a country without going there and then having lived there. I've only spent three weeks in China. I need to spend a lot more time there, which is why I plan to return," he said.

In Fowler's own words, his journey has given him a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for the richness of cultural diversity, to better understand different worldviews and the multifaceted tapestry of human experience.

"On a personal level, it's remarkably enriching to be able to go to a foreign country and to discover that many people think differently about some things," he said. "They have different ways of understanding the world, and their perspectives are equally as valuable as yours. Your heart gets larger and your understanding gets deeper."