First Semester Experience of Studying MBBS in China – Study Abroad Program

In just couple of months earlier, I had embarked on a 5 years MBBS Degree Course to China, including a night on a train and a night on a plane.  Since then I had some good experience of study abroad and I must reflect on the amazing case study experience I had here in China!

I made some good Chinese friends in the Medical College of Shihezi University and then I heard about the One Child Policy which was amended since many years. Being in the field of medical and a student of MBBS Degree course, I was especially interested to learn what extra steps were taken by a woman after she had a child to ensure that she did not become pregnant again. I talked with 4 different Chinese friends as well as two professors of the Medical University who also work in a family planning department office.

I must say, the professors and my friends were very co-operative both in answering my questions and also on my research experience in China. My Chinese friends were very frank concerning the methods they recommended and those that they thought were most popular. While talking about such issues I discovered that conversations like these rarely happen among women in China and same as in India, sex life is a very private topic. I still feel that I am lucky to have such friends and professors who are comfortable sharing very personal information concerning their contraceptive practices. One important reason for the rural/urban difference was that in the rural areas, if a couple gave birth first to a girl, then they could legally have one more child. This definitely changed the relationship that rural women had with contraception and the decisions they made.

I even look forward for the travel opportunity which China MBBS Management Team has provided me on a short-term, faculty trip at the close of the first academic year. I am sure this will definitely help in exploring the language and culture of China. I feel this opportunity will get me a greater proficiency of the language and develop a comprehensive understanding of modern China including its people, cities and development.

I have requested the VP of the China MBBS to include cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hunan for this faculty trip. I have heard that Beijing is the
political and cultural center of China and is the capital city. I would love to visit the Great Wall and the Forbidden City which contributes Beijing’s charm and intrigue. Whereas, Shanghai is the largest city in China, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta. I chose Hunan one of the destinations to travel only because of its long history of beautiful scenery which provides a rural view of Chinese language and culture.

I am very sure that studying MBBS in China, will definitely be my best decision ever, which will bring a wonderful exchange of knowledge and understanding that I will continue to share for 5 years.

Reshma Nakodia
Shihezi University – School of Medicine.