Margaret Davenport is a senior journalism and geography major from Lincoln, whom I met through working for The Daily Nebraskan. She also works at Goldenrod Pastries and brings me treats sometimes, so that's probably the biggest benefit of being her friend.
During fall semester of 2015, Margaret interned at the American Exchange Center in Xi'an Jiaotong University in Xi'an, China. She had always wanted to spend time abroad during college, and when she found out this internship would pay for her room and board and help cover the cost of airfare, she knew she couldn't pass it up.
The semester in China took Margaret much farther out of her comfort zone than she thinks a semester in Europe would have. She often struggled to find other foreigners in China, or even people who spoke English. Of course she studied Mandarin during her time in Xi'an, but after a full semester, she really only learned "survival Mandarin," or, she can order food, ask for directions and hold very basic conversations.
(I spent a month in China and all I learned was "no," "thank you," "water" and "Starbucks," so I think she has me beat there).
A stranger literally handed Margaret this dog and walked away. She had to chase her down to return it.
Because not many Americans travel to China, Margaret said she sometimes felt like a celebrity. People would ask for pictures on the streets or hand her their children to take pictures. Who knows? There could be a framed portrait of her up in someone's house.
When not asking for photos, people also asked her to help their children learn English. While it would've been nice to help every little child, Margaret eventually decided to pretend she was French and didn't know English.
When not dealing with her overwhelming popularity, Margaret enjoyed great, cheap food thanks to the exchange rate. At the time, 6 CNY = 1 USD (now it's about 7 CNY), so she could easily get a meal for under $1 and a taxi across town for $5.
An example of the cuisine that might be a little harder to come across in Nebraska.
At UNL, Margaret reviews local restaurants for The Daily Nebraskan, so since her return from China, she's been on the prowl for the best, most authentic Chinese food in Lincoln.